A magistrate received a formal warning after a conflict with a neighbour over a dog.
- Jean Banford of the Cheshire bench used her magistrate status during a heated dispute.
- Banford emphasised her legal knowledge, stating the dog could be destroyed.
- The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office deemed her conduct inappropriate.
- A formal warning was issued to maintain the magistracy’s integrity.
A magistrate from the Cheshire bench, Jean Banford, has received a formal warning following an incident involving a dispute with her neighbour over a dog. During the argument, Banford referred to her position as a magistrate and implied that the neighbour’s dog could be destroyed, which led to a complaint to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO).
The basis of the complaint was Banford’s repeated emphasis on her judicial status in an attempt to exert pressure and lend credibility to her argument. The JCIO evaluated the situation and found this tactic to be a clear breach of the expected standards of conduct for magistrates. Specifically, the action conflicted with protocols that mandate discretion and the avoidance of leveraging judicial status for personal disputes.
Banford, described as a ‘long-serving’ magistrate with a reputable character, defended her actions by explaining that she highlighted her legal knowledge because the neighbour refused to accept that the dog posed a danger and could be legally destroyed. Despite her justification, the JCIO concluded that referencing her position as a magistrate was inappropriate and potentially damaging to the magistracy’s reputation.
A spokesperson for the JCIO emphasised the severity of Banford’s misconduct, noting the potential reputational harm to the judicial system. Magistrates, upon their appointment, agree to conduct themselves in a manner that maintains the dignity and standing of the magistracy, both publicly and privately. Useful Information for Magistrates, published by the Ministry of Justice, also advises against using one’s judicial position as leverage in personal matters.
As a result of the investigation, Mr Justice Keehan, representing the lady chief justice and with agreement from the lord chancellor, issued a formal warning to Banford. This measure serves to uphold the integrity and public confidence in the judicial system, ensuring that all magistrates adhere to the expected behavioural standards.
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining judicial impartiality and integrity in all aspects of public and personal conduct.
