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Victory for woman who blew whistle on ‘racist’ magistrates
Tim Stewart21 Aug 2009
A black magistrate who was victimised after highlighting alleged racist treatment of defendants is set for a payout of up to £75,000.
Iris Josiah, 50, said that there was a "culture of unfair practices against black defendants" among JPs in Enfield, north London.
She alleged fellow magistrates were routinely "hostile" towards black people and convicted them on slim or no evidence. They were also jailed for longer terms and were more likely to be sent to prison and refused bail than white defendants, she claimed.
Miss Josiah, a former Haringey councillor, was unlawfully suspended by court bosses after voicing her concerns. It was decided that she should be reinstated, but it was another four months before she was allowed to resume sitting on cases.
Stratford Employment Tribunal in east London made no ruling on alleged race bias by magistrates.
But it today upheld Miss Josiah's claim against the Ministry of Justice that she was victimised after complaining of race discrimination. She is now demanding punitive damages, aggravated damages and compensation for hurt feelings and could be awarded up to £75,000.
But Miss Josiah failed in her claims that she suffered a seven-year campaign of racist bullying and harassment by colleagues.
The tribunal also rejected her claim that she was overlooked for promotion to the post of court chairman on grounds of race.
In its judgment, the tribunal panel noted that Miss Josiah's allegations were "serious". And it stated: "It is, clearly, very important that a magistrate treats black defendants fairly and without bias."
College lecturer Miss Josiah, from Palmers Green, north London, became a JP at Enfield in 1995 and was for many years the only black magistrate sitting on days she worked.
She said: "In the immediate years following my appointment, I witnessed the hostile treatment of black defendants by some fellow magistrates.
"I felt this needed to be discussed and resolved."
Reader views (13)
People do not realise that black and ethnic minorities make up a small percentage of the population in the UK - even though you may not guess this living in London. This is why when issues of discrimination are brought into the public arena, it gets all sorts of stupid, negative responses ie: Lin, Bernie, et al. Of course it is important for these issues to be made public so that fairness can be put out to all - Not the minority engaged in knife crime of the majority engaged in child cruelty/child sex offences. It is only when people stop being ignorant to what goes on behind closed doors in this country will things change. Well done to this woman for bringing a shameful situation into the public domain. May those involved in such bigotory in a professional capacity feel ashamed and correct their ways to safe guard us all.
- Jenny, London, 24/08/2009 15:41
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Far from what we are brought up to beleive, the most respectable of people may not be the community with the the most cash ie.bankers(who have us in recession+politicians)barriisters and doctors are no different. Who is the better person the innocent young black, labelled,judged on the colour of his skin or the barrister dressed respectable ijn a three piece suit wearing a white wig whoknows nothing about coming from a poor backround, does anyone feel like people on the legal profession are robbing ordinary tax payer by asking them to pay extra-ordinary amounts for a letter to be sent to your door. This black woman is a hero. America has now a black president, I doubt U.K. will have a black prime minister within the next100 years. The real leader of this country is still born into the position
- Brian Hennessy, Perh, Aus, 24/08/2009 12:25
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There is also hostile treatment of white defendants, but they don't get massive payouts for "hurt feelings". Whites are suffering from discrimination in all sectors on a large scale. On many forms we can't even write we are English, it has to be white/other or white/British. My feelings are very hurt by this and I would like a large payout because I am very upset that my Englishness is being eroded.
- Lin, London England, 24/08/2009 08:51
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Here we go again
- Keith, Plymouth, 24/08/2009 07:04
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One should say sorry and no money should change hands.
- Stan White, leeds, 23/08/2009 20:18
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Oh come on, how on earth can anyone's feelings be so badly "hurt" that it's worth a 5 figure sum??! Get a freaking grip!!
- Hb, Rochford, Essex, 23/08/2009 19:36
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I'm very pleased for her and such a ruling only confirms what has long been suspected - that black defendants are treated more harshly in the courts. I only wish there was more publicity about this, if only to counteract the usual "PC madness" rubbish whenever anyone complains about unreasonable behaviour towards them.
- Natalie, London, UK, 23/08/2009 16:39
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Would it not be more constructive to ask why members of the black "community" are involved in most of the knife killings in London, as well as many so-called petty crimes? I am sick of watching the race card being played every time an ethnic minority gets disciplined or fails to be promoted, despite the covert practice of "positive discrimination". The fact is black Londoners are mostly raised with no fathers and thus run wild. Face the music rather than whinge!
- Bernie Goetz, London, England, 23/08/2009 14:04
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If she is awarded the money, the racists must be sacked.
- Ted, London, 23/08/2009 12:22
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I am really pleased for her, i hope she goes on a nice holiday.
- Kay, London, 22/08/2009 14:41
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Our lads come home from war with missing limbs and dont get half this payment,only in britain.(tax payer forking out again is it.)
- I 8 Utd, leicester, 22/08/2009 14:38
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Plaintiffs in these types of cases frequently say "its not about the money." I guess in this case that's not true?
- Trunk, US, 21/08/2009 16:50
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Well done!
- Missy, Wolverhampton, UK, 21/08/2009 15:48
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