Mr. Justice Marcus Smith, a judge of the Chancery Division and President of the Competition Appeal Tribunal, wrote a ‘love letter’ mentioning several “personal matters” in the letter and expressed his love for the colleague, asking about feelings in return. 

The letter made the colleague feel “distressed, angry, let down, and devalued," leading her to report the matter and state that she did not want to work with the judge again or cross paths with him.

A senior judge tasked with sanctioning Mr. Justice Smith found that his actions amounted to “serious misconduct” and that he was “clearly expressing his love” and “wanted to take things further." 

“His actions were part of escalating conduct towards a junior member of staff who was in a very vulnerable position in relation to him. He had abused his position and crossed lines that should not be crossed. It was unsurprising that the member of staff had been distressed. The impact on the member of staff was likely to be lasting."

The senior judge recommended a reprimand—the most serious sanction short of removal from office. The Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor subsequently endorsed the recommendation of a reprimand.

(For more updates, tap to join our Whatsapp Channel and our LinkedIn Page)