England: Magistrate warned after texting in court

Jane Bailey JP used her phone to respond to a personal message during a hearing on 7 October 2024, prompting a disciplinary investigation by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO).

The JCIO’s report stated: “Following a hearing on October 7 2024, a report was made to the London Conduct Advisory Committee that Mrs Bailey had used her mobile phone to respond to a personal message from her daughter.”

Using a phone in court is against magistrate rules.

The report added: “The declaration and undertaking signed by all magistrates on their appointment states that they will be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the good reputation of the magistracy at all times, in their private, working, and public lives.

“Additionally, guidance for magistrates advises that devices such as mobile phones should be switched off in court.”

It went on: “Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the lady chief justice, and the lord chancellor agreed with advice from the JCIO that Mrs Bailey’s actions risked reputational damage to the magistracy.

“In agreeing to issue Mrs Bailey with formal advice, they took into consideration her acceptance of responsibility, her apology and the lack of any previous findings of misconduct against her.”