Overview

• The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, issued a formal misconduct warning after a JCIO investigation.
• Kirtley admitted a one-off, consensual encounter with his then partner in his judicial chambers more than 15 years ago.
• A nominated judge concluded the conduct risked reducing respect for judicial office and recommended a formal warning.
• Kirtley accepted his behavior was inappropriate, expressed shame, and offered unreserved apologies.
• The JCIO granted an extension of time to consider the complaint due to exceptional circumstances and released only brief details of the case.