Police probe magistrate after prosecutor’s complaint
A VICTORIAN magistate is at the centre of a police inquiry after a prosecutor withdrew herself from court during a proceeding earlier this week.
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A MAGISTRATE is at the centre of a police inquiry after a prosecutor withdrew herself from court during a proceeding earlier this week.
But the Herald Sun can reveal chief magistrate Peter Lauritsen has no concerns over the incident with an internal investigation clearing the magistrate of any wrongdoing.
“The Magistrates’ Court has reviewed a recording of the matter and found the magistrate did not engage in any bullying or inappropriate behaviour,” spokeswoman Sharon Rainsbury said.
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A Victoria Police spokesman said inquiries were continuing into the incident.
The magistrate, who the Herald Sun has chosen not to name, is renowned for his frank and forthright manner.
It comes a week after a landmark survey accused Victoria’s judicial officers of routine bullying from the bench.
The damning report found 59 per cent of barristers who responded to the survey had experienced bullying.
The report quoted anonymous barristers who raised specific concerns about being bullied from the bench.
“Judicial bullying is alive and well,” one said.
“Judicial bullying especially in long running cases is excruciating,” another said.
Another complained that: “Overall, the commonest form of judicial bullying is grossly discourteous and disrespectful behaviour from the bench, in public, in front of clients and other lawyers.”
“I have been regularly bullied and abused by judicial offices in both the County and Magistrates’ Court,” said another.
Barristers complained of being demeaned, abused, humiliated and belittled in court.
In August state coroner Sara Hinchey stood down after a complaint about her behaviour was lodged with Victoria’s judicial watchdog.
Judge Hinchey remains on leave since standing down.
Deputy State Coroner Iain West has taken over the court’s top job.