Ben Walker did not reveal his convictions, despite being asked whether there was anything in his private life which could damage his credibility as a magistrate if it became known to the public. A Judicial Conduct Investigations Office spokesperson said: ‘Mr Walker apologised for failing to disclose the information and said he had not sought to deceive or bring the judiciary into disrepute. He did not think that the matter for which he was fined amounted to a conviction, therefore, did not need to declare it.’