Magistrate faces Muslim veil probe

Ian Murray walked out of the case at Manchester magistrates' court on Thursday because Zoobia Hussain, 32, of Crumpsall, was covered by a hijab. Hussain's lawyer, Judith Hawkins, said the young mother is "shocked and distressed" and found Mr Murray's treatment of her "insensitive and unacceptable".

Ms Hawkins said she will submit a formal written complaint to the court on Monday. When the complaint is received, the judiciary will launch an internal investigation into Mr Murray's behaviour, a spokesman said.

In a statement, Ms Hawkins said: "She [Hussain] remains shocked and distressed. She suffered hurt feelings and felt intimidated and deeply embarrassed by the treatment she received at court. She is also concerned for the feelings of others who were present in court."

The solicitor went on: "She feels that the court's treatment of her was insensitive, unacceptable and against the traditions of fairness and equality that we have come to expect from our system of justice.

"She is angry that, as a result of the ensuing publicity, she has now had to explain to her children what happened. She describes her children as being upset and worried for her."

Hussain, who is charged with criminal damage, covered her entire face apart from her eyes when she faced the three magistrates. Mr Murray felt the way she was dressed raised identity issues but left the hearing without explaining why.

Before he walked out, Ms Hawkins told the bench her client was a practising Muslim who covered herself in public places where men were present as part of her religion.

A statement from the Judiciary of England and Wales said: "Mr Murray is concerned about questions of identity when the full veil is worn in court. However, he agrees that he acted unwisely in disqualifying himself without giving reasons, and acknowledges that he should have sought the advice of his legal advisor in court, and discussed the provisions of the national guidelines with his colleagues on the bench, before taking action.

"Mr Murray is supportive of those of different faiths and cultural traditions and acknowledges and regrets his action could be misinterpreted."