A Likely Story

The former deputy police and crime commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland accepted responsibility for the posts - but did not agree they would make people think he was biased as a magistrate, the Telegraph reported. He said he did not refer to his judicial role in any of the posts, adding he takes his work very seriously and would never consciously let his opinions affect it.

Sure, sure, and the cheque is in the post.... 

But an investigation found that posting on a 'politically sensitive' matter meant Mr Master had not lived up to the expectations that came with his position. It also found the magistrate had never before been involved in misconduct investigations, 'accepted responsibility for his actions' and 'agreed to reflect' on them. Social media guidance for the judiciary says judicial office holders should be aware of the risk of undermining trust and confidence in the judiciary by expressing, or appearing to endorse, views which could cast doubt on their objectivity. It also says they should also not comment on matters of controversy.

So, should he no longer be a magistrate? Oh, of course not! A few words of censure will get him back on track, won't it? 

A JCIO spokesperson said of the investigation conducted by the Midlands Conduct Advisory Committee: 'Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the findings and issued Mr Master with formal advice. 'In making this decision, they took into consideration that Mr Master had no previous findings of misconduct against him, had accepted responsibility for his actions and agreed to reflect on the consequences of what he'd done.'

Said reflection no doubt consisting of 'Well, I got away with that!'