State Coroner Sara Hinchey could be sacked over booze claim
State Coroner Sara Hinchey could be sacked over an allegation she took alcohol from the Coroners Court, the state’s judicial watchdog has found.
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State Coroner Sara Hinchey could be sacked over an allegation she took alcohol from the Coroners Court, the state’s judicial watchdog has found.
The Judicial Commission of Victoria today said five workplace allegations made against the Coroner, a County Court judge, warranted further action.
They included an allegation that Judge Hinchey took alcohol purchased using Coroners Court funds for personal use.
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“The Commission was of the opinion it could, if substantiated, amount to proven misbehaviour such as to warrant removal from office,” a statement said.
The matter has been referred to an investigating panel for further consideration after the commission — which has limited powers of investigation — was unable to make findings about the allegation.
Four other allegations have been referred to County Court chief judge Peter Kidd.
They include claims Judge Hinchey:
REMOVED her skirt during a staff meeting and persuaded a former senior employee to try it on,
FREQUENTLY swore during meetings with senior staff,
ENCOURAGED staff to be filmed doing “suggestive” dance moves for a court revue and,
PUBLICLY reprimanded “despicable behaviour” by some staff during meetings.
The Commission referred the allegations to Chief Judge Kidd for counselling to occur.
“They may affect or have affected the performance of Judge Hinchey’s functions or may have infringed the standards of conduct generally expected of judicial officers,” the Commission said.
A further 87 allegations were dismissed on the grounds that they were either unsubstantiated, did not meet the criteria for referral or were not serious enough to warrant further action.
“Despite the large number of allegations in the complaint, many of them lacked detail or were otherwise incapable of meeting the criteria for referral for further action,” the Commission said.
“Others were unsubstantiated after reviewing the responsive material from Judge Hinchey.”
A panel, comprising two current or former judicial officers from an Australian jurisdiction and one member of the community, will be established to investigate the alcohol allegation.
If it forms an opinion that facts exist which could warrant the removal of Judge Hinchey, it may prepare a report for the Governor of Victoria.
Neither the Commission nor the investigating panel has the power to remove a judicial officer from office.
Judge Hinchey, Chief Judge Kidd, the complainants and the Attorney-General have been notified of the outcome of the preliminary investigation.
Judge Hinchey stood down from her role at the Coroners Court following an initial complaint about her behaviour in August, but has resumed work at the County Court.
A County Court spokesman said the chief judge acknowledged the decision of the Judicial Commission.
“As a related matter remains before the Commission, it would be inappropriate to make further comment,” he said.