District judge reprimanded for 'unacceptable behaviour'
A district judge who sits in magistrates' courts across County Durham has been reprimanded for "unacceptable behaviour".
An investigation was carried out after a member of staff claimed Michael Wood had touched her inappropriately and made a lewd comment.
The Office for Judicial Complaints said that his conduct fell below the standard of behaviour required.
The 61-year-old voluntarily stood down from his position after the allegation.
A spokesman for the Office for Judicial Complaints said: "District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) Michael Wood has been issued with a reprimand following a complaint by a member of staff that she was touched inappropriately and that the judge made an inappropriate comment.
"The Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice found Judge Wood's conduct to be below the standard of behaviour required of a judicial officer holder, and have issued Judge Wood with a reprimand."
District judges, who must have a legal background, can sit alone at any magistrates' court.