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Immigration judge Peter Hollingworth faces racism probe Immigration judge Peter Hollingworth faces race remark investigation
(35 minutes later)
An immigration and asylum tribunal judge is being investigated for alleged racism over a remark he made about an Asian witness in a harassment case. An immigration and asylum tribunal judge is being investigated over a remark he is alleged to have made about an Asian witness in a harassment case.
During a hearing in Preston, Peter Hollingworth is reported to have said to a prosecutor: "With a name like Patel she can only be working in a corner shop or off-licence." During a hearing in Preston, Peter Hollingworth was reported to have said to a prosecutor: "With a name like Patel she can only be working in a corner shop or off-licence."
Mr Hollingworth has resigned his post as a Deputy District Judge. Mr Hollingworth has resigned his post as a deputy district judge.
He is also currently "refraining" from tribunal duties, the judiciary said.He is also currently "refraining" from tribunal duties, the judiciary said.
The comment is alleged to have been made at a procedural hearing on 30 October at Preston Magistrates' Court.The comment is alleged to have been made at a procedural hearing on 30 October at Preston Magistrates' Court.
The prosecutor who complained about Mr Hollingworth's conduct had been arranging a date for Miss Patel to attend court. Misconduct probe
A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said HM Courts and Tribunals Service was contacted as the prosecutor considered the alleged remark "to be inappropriate".
The prosecutor had been arranging a date for Miss Patel to attend court at the time the alleged comment was made by Mr Hollingworth.
The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office's immigration and asylum tribunal section is now investigating the judge's conduct.The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office's immigration and asylum tribunal section is now investigating the judge's conduct.
A spokesman for the investigation team said: "The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office can confirm that Judge Richard Terrence Peter Hollingworth has resigned as a Deputy District Judge (Magistrates Court). A spokesman for the investigation team said: "The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office can confirm that Judge Richard Terrence Peter Hollingworth has resigned as a deputy district judge.
"Any finding of misconduct and recommendation of disciplinary action... will be subsequently handled by the The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office in accordance with the Rules. "Any finding of misconduct and recommendation of disciplinary action... will be subsequently handled by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office in accordance with the rules.
"He currently remains a First-tier Tribunal Judge at the Immigration and Asylum Chamber; however, he is currently refraining from all judicial duties." "He currently remains a first-tier tribunal judge at the Immigration and Asylum Chamber; however, he is currently refraining from all judicial duties."