A former magistrate has been issued a formal warning after he told a defendant he would give them a 'good hiding' during a court hearing. Paul Gibson, who served on the South-East Essex bench, admitted he 'let himself down badly' when he lost his composure during what he described as a 'difficult and stressful hearing'.
Incident Details
The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) revealed that Mr Gibson made the comment after the defendant shouted abuse from the dock and began filming proceedings on a mobile phone—an act that can constitute contempt of court. According to a JCIO statement, Mr Gibson said he would give the defendant 'a hiding if he continued shouting'.
Defence and Apology
Mr Gibson told investigators that his words were intended for his fellow magistrates, not the defendant. He acknowledged making the statement but explained it arose from a momentary loss of composure. 'He said he had allowed himself to be provoked by the defendant, the difficult and stressful nature of the hearing, and the fact that he was fearful for his colleagues and himself,' the JCIO summary noted. He apologised, adding that on reflection he had 'let himself down badly'.
Sanction and Background
The JCIO deemed his actions 'amounted to misconduct' and recommended a sanction of formal advice—the least severe possible. Senior judge Mr Justice Keehan and Lord Chancellor David Lammy approved the sanction, noting Mr Gibson's 'long unblemished service'. The incident later surfaced during the defendant's Crown Court appeal. The JCIO did not disclose the court, defendant's identity, or the original offence.
