A judge who wore an Elvis Presley wig in his courtroom – and played the singer’s music from his phone – has left the building.
Judge Matthew Thornhill is facing a six-month suspension because of disciplinary action over his conduct in Missouri.
Under the terms of an agreement, he would then serve for 18 months before resigning from the bench for good.
Mr Thornhill said he had been trying “to add levity at times when I thought it would help relax litigants”.
But he was all shook up after a complaint was made, and conceded: “I now recognise that this could affect the integrity and solemnity of the proceedings.”
Court filings about his case are littered with photographs of Mr Thornhill posing in a plastic Elvis wig and sunglasses – which suggests the legendary singer was always on his mind.
It is claimed he would sometimes play The King’s music as he entered the courtroom, and mention the singer’s lyrics or date of birth even though it wasn’t relevant.
Unfortunately for Mr Thornhill, strict rules in Missouri require judges to engage in a little less conversation.
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The commission says he violated guidelines designed to “promote confidence in the integrity of the judiciary”.
While he can’t help falling in love with Elvis, the judge has also been accused of mentioning his political affiliation during cases – as well as preferred election candidates.
Missouri Supreme Court is currently considering whether to accept the proposed penalty.
