A magistrate who upset a member of court staff by speaking in a ‘stern, belittling and intimidating manner’ has been issued with formal advice for misconduct.
Separate reports from two members of staff were made about Robert Walker JP, who sits on the Birmingham & Solihull Bench. The complaints said Walker had spoken to another member of staff whilst in court in a ‘stern, belittling and intimidating manner’ and the interaction ‘had a significant impact’ on the individual.
A Judicial Conduct Investigations Office spokesperson said: ‘Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment, which includes an agreement to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times, in their private, working and public lives. In addition, the statement of expected behaviour…reminds judicial office holders to treat people fairly and respectfully and be aware of how their words and behaviours can affect others.’
Walker acknowledged he had spoken to the member of staff in court but said his ‘intention was to help and not to cause upset’. He confirmed that no members of the public or defence lawyers were present and he was ‘unaware of the member of staff’s inexperience’ which he felt the bench ‘should have been made aware of…at the pre-court briefing’.
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The JCIO added: ‘Mr Walker stated that as the presiding justice on the day, he had checked with his wingers, who confirmed the appropriateness of his words.’
An investigation found Walker, who had no previous conduct issues during his ‘long’ service, may not have intended to cause upset but his ‘interaction was received in a negative manner and had a serious impact on the member of staff’.
The investigation found Walker’s actions amount to misconduct, he ‘had not shown any remorse’ and there was a ‘lack of acknowledgement of the impact of his behaviour on the member of staff’.
Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the lady chief justice, and with the lord chancellor’s agreement, issued Walker with formal advice for misconduct.
