A London magistrate has narrowly avoided the sack after sharing his “offensive” views on homosexuality with colleagues during a court day.
Dr Charles Jumbo made colleagues feel “concerned” and “uncomfortable” when he made the comments privately during a discussion in the court retiring room.
In a disciplinary process, the magistrate denied homophobia and insisted he “was able to make decisions fairly and treat everyone without bias”.
A panel concluded Dr Jumbo should be removed from office over the incident, after finding the public would only now have “limited” confidence of his ability to reach fair decisions.
But Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr and Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood overruled the decision, and said the JP, who sits in east London at Thames and Stratford magistrates courts, should be spared the sack and given a reprimand instead.
“He expressed views which would likely cause offence towards a section of society, and which may cause doubt as to his independence and impartiality”, a Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) statement set out.
“Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times.
“The London Conduct Advisory Committee carried out an investigation after three magistrates raised a complaint that they had heard Dr Jumbo express his personal views on homosexuality during a discussion in the retiring room, which made the magistrates feel concerned or uncomfortable.”
When questioned over the incident, Dr Jumbo admitted making the comments and “expressed his regret for sharing his personal views and for any offence caused”, said the ruling.
“He had thought it was a private discussion between colleagues. He denied that he was homophobic and confirmed that he was able to make decisions fairly and treat everyone without bias.”
In the disciplinary process, a JCIO committee member initially believed Dr Jumbo should receive formal advice, but a disciplinary panel made a different assessment.
“The disciplinary panel found that Dr Jumbo had shown a gross lack of insight into the seriousness of the matter, the negative impact on others and the potential consequences of holding these views as a serving magistrate”, said the JCIO.
“The disciplinary panel concluded that Dr Jumbo’s personal views would cast doubt on his independence and impartiality and concluded that the public would now have limited confidence in Dr Jumbo as a magistrate.
“The disciplinary panel stated that while Dr Jumbo is entitled to hold his views as an individual, magistrates should not act in a way which could reduce respect for the magistracy or cast doubt on their independence, impartiality or integrity.
“The disciplinary panel recommended that Dr Jumbo be removed from office.”
Setting the final decision, it added: “The Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the disciplinary panel’s findings that Dr Jumbo’s actions amounted to misconduct.
“After careful consideration, they agreed to issue Dr Jumbo with the lesser sanction of a reprimand. In reaching their decision, they took into consideration Dr Jumbo’s long unblemished conduct record and his assurance that he would continue to make decisions fairly and without bias.
“Whilst Dr Jumbo is entitled to hold his own personal views, the reprimand underlined the importance of being mindful in sharing views, whilst acting in the capacity of a judicial office holder, which are likely to cause offence.”
