Magistrate reprimanded for suggesting a 'good hiding' during court outburst
Paul Gibson received formal advice for misconduct over comment to defendant
A magistrate faced a misconduct sanction after suggesting he would give a "good hiding" to a defendant during a court session, according to a misconduct ruling.
Paul Gibson, who previously served on the South-East Essex Bench and now appears on the supplemental list, was issued with formal advice for misconduct following his actions in a "difficult and stressful" sentencing hearing.
Gibson apologised for the incident, admitting he "let himself down badly" and that he "allowed himself to be provoked" into making the comment.
Details of the Incident
The misconduct ruling disclosed that Gibson lost his composure when a defendant in the dock began shouting about being sentenced to jail.
In response to the verbal altercation, Gibson allegedly remarked on giving the defendant a "good hiding" if he continued his disruption.
The incident gained notoriety when the defendant appealed, further extending awareness of Gibson’s conduct.
Misconduct Proceedings
According to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office's ruling, Gibson described the hearing as exceptionally challenging, noting the defendant’s abusive shouting and filming with his phone from the dock.
He explained that the comment was intended for his fellow magistrates rather than the defendant himself.
Senior figures, Mr Justice Keehan and Lord Chancellor David Lammy, agreed upon the sanction of formal advice for misconduct.
Details about the specific court location, the date of the incident, and whether the defendant's appeal succeeded remain undisclosed in the ruling.
Gibson, now retired, continues to appear on the supplemental list, following his tenure overseeing criminal cases.