Magistrate Receives Formal Warning for Inappropriate Comments During Court Hearing
Magistrate is handed formal warning for telling defendant he would give him a 'good hiding' during court outburst

Image: Mail Online
Paul Gibson, a former magistrate from South-East Essex, has received a formal warning after he threatened to give a defendant a 'good hiding' during a heated court session. The incident occurred after the defendant shouted abuse and filmed the proceedings, prompting Gibson's outburst.
- 01Paul Gibson admitted to losing his composure during a stressful court hearing.
- 02The defendant was shouting abuse and filming the court proceedings, which is contempt of court.
- 03Gibson claimed his comment was meant for his fellow magistrates, not the defendant.
- 04The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office found Gibson's actions amounted to misconduct.
- 05Gibson has a long record of unblemished service prior to this incident.
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Paul Gibson, a magistrate on the South-East Essex bench, has been formally warned for misconduct after he threatened to give a defendant a 'good hiding' during a court hearing. The incident occurred when the defendant, who was shouting abuse and filming the proceedings, provoked Gibson, leading to his outburst. Gibson acknowledged that he 'let himself down badly' and stated that his comment was intended for his fellow magistrates rather than the defendant. An investigation by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) concluded that his actions constituted misconduct, resulting in a sanction of formal advice, the least severe penalty available. Senior judge Mr. Justice Keehan and Lord Chancellor David Lammy approved this sanction, noting Gibson's previously unblemished service record. The JCIO did not disclose details about the court or the nature of the defendant's offense.
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