SHERIFF JACK BROWN DISMISSED OVER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS
Aberdeen sheriff Jack Brown has been declared unfit for judicial office following findings by a judicial tribunal that he behaved "entirely inappropriately" towards a female lawyer, identified as X.The tribunal's report, released to the Scottish Parliament, states that Sheriff Brown's "misconduct" has led to a recommendation for him to be removed from his £160,000-a-year position.
The four-member panel unanimously agreed that his continued presence in office could undermine public trust in the justice system and damage its reputation.
The Scottish Government has accepted the tribunal's report and is considering his removal, with a decision due within 28 days.
The allegations against Sheriff Brown date back to incidents in late 2001 or early 2002 and 2004, where he was found to have kissed C on the lips and squeezed her buttocks, and in 2018, he was found to have touched X on the cheek, made inappropriate remarks, hugged her without consent, and caused her alarm and distress.
Sheriff Brown denies any wrongful conduct.
His suspension has been in place since 2018, and despite being suspended on full pay for six years, he continues to draw his salary, with legal costs set to exceed £1 million.
The tribunal's findings indicate the sheriff took advantage of his seniority and abused her trust, which has severely tarnished his character and trustworthiness.
The case is significant as it is the second tribunal investigating his conduct, after the first concluded his actions did not warrant removal.
The Scottish Government is now making arrangements to potentially remove him from his judicial role, pending parliamentary approval.
