A magistrate has been removed from office after he was subject to disciplinary proceedings in his own profession.
According to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, Timothy Vogel was excluded following proceedings as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales (ICAEW). It had heard a formal complaint against Vogel, who did not report the proceedings to his bench chair or senior legal manager and continued his duties as an active magistrate.
Vogel said he had attempted to resign prior to the conclusion of ICAEW proceedings and ‘therefore questioned whether it was accurate to say he been excluded from membership’, the JCIO said.
Vogel did not agree with all of the ICAEW’S findings and did not agree that it would have any bearing on his suitability as a magistrate.
The JCIO added: ‘The advisory committee considered Mr Vogel’s representations and found that the grounds for removal without further investigation applied. He had been excluded from membership of the ICAEW and had not appealed its findings or decision.’
A magistrate can be recommended for removal from office without further investigation in certain circumstances, including where they have been removed from the register of any licensing body following an investigation or proceedings concerning fitness to practise, in accordance with the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023.
