Judge wrong to hear case from bed while recovering from surgery, court says
Summary
A judge named Richard Clayton heard a legal appeal from his bed using video while recovering from surgery. The court of appeal said it was wrong for him to do this, even though it did not affect the case outcome.Key Facts
- Judge Richard Clayton KC heard an appeal from bed the day after surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
- The case involved Suleman Patel appealing a nine-month suspension by the General Optical Council.
- The court of appeal rejected Patel’s appeal but said the judge should not have heard the case from bed.
- The court praised the judge’s effort but said judges should only hear cases in this way in urgent or exceptional situations.
- Clayton admitted it was difficult to work from bed and had trouble taking notes.
- He was advised he could not stand for eight days after surgery and was taking medication.
- The hearing caused no unfairness or injustice for the parties involved.
- The court recommended better arrangements be made in the future instead of hearings from bed.
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