'Inappropriate' judge reprimanded after a member of staff claimed he touched her inappropriately
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A district judge has been reprimanded after a member of staff claimed he touched her inappropriately and made a lewd comment, the Office for Judicial Complaints said today.
The Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice told Michael Wood, who sat in Magistrates' Courts across County Durham, that his behaviour was unacceptable following an investigation.
Mr Wood, a trained lawyer who was 61 when the allegations were made last year, voluntarily stood down from his position.
The incident in Consett, County Durham, was reported by the complainant's colleagues after the woman told them what had happened.
A spokesman for the Office for Judicial Complaints said: "District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) Michael Wood has been issued with a reprimand following a complaint by a member of staff that she was touched inappropriately and that the judge made an inappropriate comment.
"The Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice found Judge Wood's conduct to be below the standard of behaviour required of a judicial officer holder and have issued Judge Wood with a reprimand."
Mr Wood became the county's first full-time district judge in 2004. Unlike magistrates, district judges, who can earn more than £100,000 a year, must have a legal background. They have the authority to sit alone and at any Magistrates' Court.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments