Formal advice for magistrate who raised his voice at court staff over chair

A magistrate who raised his voice at a member of court staff when they attempted to move a chair has been issued with formal advice.

Richard Morris had rearranged the layout of a room prior to a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement hearing in December 2023. A member of staff attempted to move a chair and Morris ‘raised his voice at them and threatened to leave the court’.

An investigation was carried out after concerns were raised about Morris’s conduct.

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said Morris admitted the allegations but said he was following new guidance issued by HM Courts & Tribunals Service stating that magistrates should not sit in the well of the court for DDR hearings.

A JCIO spokesperson said Morris was found to have raised his voice at the staff member where ‘there was no reason to do so’.

It added: ‘He had failed to appreciate how his words and actions could be perceived.

‘On appointment, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking, which includes a commitment to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy.’

Morris had no previous findings of misconduct, the conduct was a ‘one-off event’ and ‘those present should have been aware of the new guidance’, the JCIO said.

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the lady chief justice and the lord chancellor’s agreement, found Morris’ actions amounted to misconduct and issued him with formal advice.