Judge insists sex with ex-partner in his chambers was a ‘one

A judge has been sanctioned after admitting to having sex in his chambers over 15 years ago.

Recorder Paul Kirtley admitted to the judicial watchdog that he had an ‘inappropriate encounter’ with his then partner 15 years ago.

His ex, however, later reported him for the ‘one-off’ fling to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO).

Kirtley, a barrister who has been a Recorder since 1999, admitted to investigators that he had sex in his judicial chambers.

A ruling by the JCIO, published yesterday, said: ‘Recorder Kirtley admitted that the sexual encounter, with his then partner, had taken place as alleged and accepted that his conduct had been inappropriate.

‘He also expressed shame and offered his unreserved apologies.’ The part-time judge had asked for mitigation, given that it