Judicial Conduct Investigations Office found that Simpson’s behavior constituted gross misconduct
UK district judge Andrew Simpson has been removed from office by lord chancellor David Lammy on the grounds of gross misconduct due to Simpson’s alleged inappropriate dealings with court staff.
A complaint filed to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office claimed that Simpson engaged in what the office described as “overly familiar and unprofessional conduct.” He had reportedly sent text and social media communications not relating to work to staff, as well as photographs from non-work social events. One message allegedly displayed a “highly sexualized image,” according to the JCIO.
The complaint also accused Simpson of using his judicial email account to send an email that referenced himself and colleagues in “highly inappropriate terms,” per the office. Moreover, he reportedly initiated unwanted physical contact.
Simpson argued that he had no improper intent and questioned the motives of the complainants. He said that he sought to engage with staff, and while he communicated informally, he was courteous and friendly. He claimed that in some of the reported incidents, his objective was to uplift or support staff in challenging situations.
He accepted that some of his conduct was inappropriate, displayed remorse, and said he would not engage in them again.
A disciplinary panel determined that he failed to recognize that his role carried an inherent power imbalance; thus, his behaviour negatively affected the working environment and his perception by staff. His actions were described as “seriously misguided,” and the panel ruled that his conduct did not align with a judge’s responsibility to maintain the judicial office’s dignity and cultivate a safe and inclusive work environment.
Nonetheless, the panel took Simpson’s motives, remorse, and clean record into account. It also considered his promise to refrain from such conduct moving forward and colleagues’ positive feedback about him; thus, it suggested a reprimand.
However, Lammy and lady chief justice Sue Carr ruled that Simpson’s conduct “represented a serious failure to meet the standards expected of a judicial office holder” and was tantamount to gross misconduct, which “involved a very serious failure of integrity,” per the JCIO’s statement. Lammy and Carr determined that Simpson’s conduct was repeated, reflected abuse of his position, caused staff distress, was detrimental to the working environment, and marred the judiciary’s reputation.
They pointed out Simpson’s “unfounded” questioning of the complainants’ motivations and expressed dissatisfaction in his insight regarding his conduct’s serious nature. Thus, they decided that removal from office was the “appropriate and proportionate sanction” for Simpson.
The investigation into Simpson was conducted under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023.
Simpson was appointed a district judge to the North Eastern Circuit on December 5, 2022. He was based at Newcastle Civil and Family Courts and Tribunals Centre.
