A Conservative councillor has been dismissed from his role as a magistrate after publicly criticising a judge and alleging a "two-tier justice system". Simon Fawthrop made the remarks outside Westminster Magistrates' Court following the conviction of four anti-ULEZ activists for harassing the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan.
Comments deemed gross misconduct
Mr Fawthrop labelled District Judge Daniel Sternberg's verdict "inconsistent" and a "body-blow to free speech", suggesting the judge should have recused himself due to "unconscious bias". The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) found Mr Fawthrop guilty of gross misconduct, stating that his comments undermined public confidence in the judiciary and the criminal justice system.
Fundamental misunderstanding
The JCIO concluded that Mr Fawthrop demonstrated a "fundamental misunderstanding" of his judicial obligations. He had claimed to be acting solely as a councillor and minimised the seriousness of his actions. The disciplinary body emphasised that magistrates must uphold impartiality and avoid public criticism of judicial decisions.
Mr Fawthrop's dismissal comes amid ongoing debates about the ULEZ expansion and protests targeting the mayor. The case highlights the strict standards expected of judicial office holders, even when they are also elected politicians.
