Judge wrong to hear case from bed while recovering from surgery, court says

A deputy high court judge who heard an optician’s appeal via video link just days after surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon has faced criticism from the Court of Appeal. The case raises concerns over whether a judge was physically and mentally fit to preside over proceedings while recovering from a major operation. Legal experts are questioning the appropriateness of remote hearings in such circumstances, where a judge’s ability to assess evidence fairly may have been compromised. The ruling highlights broader debates about judicial capacity and the use of technology in sensitive legal cases.

Richard Clayton KC had undergone operation for ruptured achilles tendon day before hearing optician’s appealA judge was wrong to hear a case from his bed via video link while recovering from surgery, the court of appeal has said.Richard Clayton KC, sitting as a deputy high court judge, heard an optician’s appeal against a finding of serious misconduct from bed the day after returning from hospital where he had undergone an operation for a ruptured achilles tendon. Continue reading...