Overview

• A complaint to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office from his former partner alleged intercourse in his chambers more than 15 years ago while they were in a relationship.
• Paul Kirtley admitted the encounter, accepted that it was inappropriate, expressed shame, and offered his unreserved apologies.
• A nominated judge found misconduct, accepting mitigation that it was a one-off, consensual incident long ago but concluding that such conduct on judicial premises undermines confidence in the judiciary.
• The JCIO granted an extension of time to pursue the complaint in light of exceptional circumstances.
• Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr and Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood approved a formal warning, and the JCIO released only a brief summary without specifying the exact location within chambers or when the complaint was made.