Judges Sacked for Using Court Computers to View Pornography

Three judges have been sacked after allegedly using their Court computers to watch pornographic material. A fourth judge resigned before the conclusion of the enquiry.

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) monitors judicial conduct and supports the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice in their joint responsibility for judicial discipline. Its aim is to ensure that all judicial disciplinary issues are dealt with consistently and fairly.   A statement from the JCIO said "it was an inexcusable misuse of their work accounts" and "wholly unacceptable conduct for a judicial office holder".

The material did not include any illegal content. It is a question of misconduct and the misuse of IT accounts. Gross misconduct is behaviour by an employee which is so bad that it destroys the employer/employee relationship and warrants instant dismissal without notice.

The four judges concerned are not thought to be connected and the dismissal of so many judges at one time has caused alarm.

The judges are not thought to be appealing the decision.