A magistrate who admitted to shouting at a colleague has been issued with a formal warning for misconduct.
A separate complaint was also made about Fiona Williams concerning allegations of ‘speaking patronisingly to parties, commenting on political issues in the court retiring room and delaying proceedings by showing personal photographs to colleagues’.
A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said: ‘Upon appointment, all magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking, which includes a commitment to act with circumspection and maintain the dignity, reputation, and good standing of the magistracy.
‘Judicial office holders are also expected to treat others fairly and respectfully, remain patient and tolerant, and act professionally and courteously.’
Williams admitted shouting at a colleague and ‘showing a loss of temper’. She expressed regret, the JCIO said, and acknowledged ‘she should have handled the situation differently’.
Williams, who had served 29 years without previous disciplinary findings, also accepted it was inappropriate for her to comment on political matters in the retiring room and gave assurances she would concentrate on court business in the future.
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An investigation found Williams’ actions amount to misconduct, noting the ‘repeated nature’ of the incidents and her role as an experienced presiding justice.
Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the lady chief justice, and with the agreement of the lord chancellor, issued Williams with a formal warning for misconduct.
