Magistrate Dr Delicate censured for swearing

While the magistrate's behaviour caused embarrassment to court staff, the outcome of the court case during which it was displayed remained unaffected, investigators found

A magistrate called Dr Delicate has been told off for desk banging, sighing and swearing in court.

Dr Amy Delicate, who sits on the West Midlands and Warwickshire circuit, made "prolonged eye contact" with someone in a family court hearing and was "visibly frustrated throughout", an investigation found.

Court staff were embarrassed by the behaviour of Dr Delicate who had since offered a qualified apology, said the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) which found the displays amounted to misconduct.

The criticised JP said any swearing or signs of frustration were "unintentional". High Court judge Mr Justice Keehan has handed her formal advice.

"Dr Delicate's behaviour included the deliberate use of inappropriate language, audible sighing, and prolonged eye contact directed at a party - conduct which multiple witnesses interpreted as expressions of frustration and partiality," the JCIO said.

"While the hearing itself was not disrupted and the outcome remained unaffected, her behaviour caused embarrassment to court staff and negatively impacted the working environment."

Dr Delicate, who hitherto had a five-year unblemished record, apologised "if such behaviour occurred", and said some of her actions may have been misinterpreted, the JCIO stated.

It added that while Dr Delicate offered a qualified apology, "she did not demonstrate full insight into the implications of her conduct".

A spokesperson for the JCIO said: "Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor's agreement, has issued Dr Amy Delicate JP with formal advice for misconduct."