Magistrate is censured after calling a feminine colleague who was additionally an air stewardess a ‘trolley dolly’ whereas they have been contemplating a verdict

A magistrate has been disciplined for misconduct after referring to a female colleague as a ‘trolley dolly’ in reference to her job as a flight attendant.

Michael Barnes, a lay magistrate in Greater Manchester, admitted to making the comment about a fellow justice of the peace who was also an air hostess as they were considering a verdict, The Times reported.

The 57-year-old claimed he had been acting ‘in a light-hearted manner’ when referring to his colleague’s job, according to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO).

The JCIO reported that Barnes ‘admitted he had referred to the complainant as a trolley dolly’, although he claimed to use the term in light of the complainant herself previously using it to describe her job.

Michael Barnes, 57, has been disciplined for misconduct after referring to a female colleague as a ‘trolley dolly’ in reference to her job as a flight attendant (File image)

Barnes was also understood to have made a sarcastic comment about her completion of a law degree via distanced learning – also known as remote or online learning.

A committee described the magistrate’s comments as ‘recklessly unfeeling’ and ruled they caused emotional distress, although it accepted an apology from Barnes regarding his dig at his colleague’s air crew position.

However, Barnes failed to address the complaint that he had undermined the complainant’s law degree.

He was issued a ‘formal warning’ – the second most drastic which can be given to magistrates and sitting judges.