JCIO 95/25

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Mr Alfred Bean JP of the Cheshire Bench with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct 2023 (the Guide) states that office holders should be circumspect in their conduct and should seek to be courteous, patient, tolerant and should respect the dignity of all. Additionally, the Statement of Expected Behaviour, which is annexed to the Guide, advises office holders to treat others fairly and respectfully.

A complaint was made by two colleagues that at a sitting in September 2025, Mr Bean responded in an abrupt manner to advice given about safekeeping of a laptop and in an aggressive and cynical manner to feedback about the delivery of his opinion relating to a sentencing decision. This caused upset and fractured the atmosphere. As a result, Mr Bean left the court early.

Mr Bean’s representations

Mr Bean denied the allegations. He stated that although he did not agree with the advice about the laptop, he nevertheless followed it and did not intend to cause offence.

He stated that he intended to be helpful during the hearing and denied interrupting the presider. He did not agree with the feedback about his delivery but acknowledged his response caused upset to his colleague.

He left the court early to prevent further issues but was frustrated that no attempt was made to resolve the situation prior to the complaint.

Nominated Committee Member’s findings and recommendation

The complaints were considered by a nominated committee member of the North-West Region Conduct Advisory Committee in accordance with the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023. The nominated committee member found that although Mr Bean did not intend to, his overly assertive communication came across as aggressive and verged on bullying. This was a breach of the Statement of Expected Behaviour and amounted to misconduct.

In recommending a formal warning, the nominated committee member considered that Mr Bean was issued with formal advice for similar misconduct in August 2025.

Decision

Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated committee member’s recommendation. 
 

Notes for Editors

Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk 

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website