Judge who had sex with partner in chambers is handed a formal warning

By JOSE RAMOS, NEWS REPORTER Published: 12:57 BST, 21 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 21 August 2025

A judge who had sex with his partner in his chambers has been given a warning. Recorder Paul Kirtley was handed a formal warning for misconduct after he admitted to the 'inappropriate' encounter 15 years ago.He expressed 'shame' over the incident, which took place with a former partner, who later reported him, but apologised for the 'one-off' liaison.The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office [JCIO] said those who hold positions in the judiciary should avoid situations which might 'expose them to charges of hypocrisy'.A report said: 'A complaint was made to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO), alleging that Recorder Kirtley engaged in sexual intercourse with the complainant in his judicial chambers over 15 years ago, while they were in a relationship.'Recorder Kirtley admitted that the sexual encounter, with his then partner, had taken place as alleged and accepted that his conduct had been inappropriate.' The judge expressed 'shame' over the incident, which took place with a former partner, who later reported him, but apologised for the 'one-off' liaison. Pictured: Stock imageThe report goes on to say that he expressed 'shame and offered his unreserved apologies' over the encounter.A nominated judge has also found his behaviour amounted to misconduct but accepted that it was a one-off, consensual encounter.It added: 'However, the nominated judge determined that a judge engaging in such activity in their judicial chambers would risk reducing respect for judicial office and recommended that Recorder Kirtley should receive a formal warning.'A spokesperson for the JCIO said that judicial office holders 'should avoid situations which might reasonably reduce respect for judicial office or might cast doubt upon their judicial impartiality, or which might expose them to charges of hypocrisy by reason of their private life'.