Recorder Donald Tait

Recorder Donald Tait, a judicial officer in the UK, has been issued a formal warning for misconduct by the Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor in July 2026. This decision followed an investigation by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023.

The misconduct stemmed from an inappropriate comment Tait made to a jury after they delivered not guilty verdicts in a criminal case. According to a juror's complaint, he stated, "These days young people meet people online and go out drinking, what do they expect to happen?". The JCIO found that this remark was inappropriate, unnecessarily critical of both parties in the case, and caused distress to the jury, suggesting that the young person's actions increased the likelihood of them being assaulted.

Tait acknowledged that he may have made the remark after the jury's verdicts and expressed regret for any offense caused. While a nominated judge initially recommended formal advice, the Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor determined that a stronger sanction was warranted, leading to the formal warning.

Public records also indicate that "Mr Recorder D Tait" has presided over numerous criminal cases in various courts, including Taunton Crown, County and Family Court, and Southampton Combined Court Centre. However, no public criminal charges, convictions, or legal proceedings where Recorder Donald Tait was the defendant have been found. The information available pertains to his professional conduct as a Recorder.