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A Victorian magistrate embroiled in an investigation about inappropriate remarks he made towards rape victims, allegedly sexually harassed a young solicitor.
Richard Pithouse resigned on Friday and was stood down by the Judicial Commission of Victoria last month over a complaint made about his in-court behaviour last September.
The commission said on Wednesday a new complaint lodged in December alleged the former magistrate "communicated with a junior solicitor, whom he was in a mentoring relationship with, in an unprofessional and inappropriate manner" via texts and emails.
"The commission was satisfied the alleged conduct could be characterised as sexual harassment ... of the junior solicitor," it said in a statement.
It noted Mr Pithouse was given the opportunity to respond to the complaint but did not.
Mr Pithouse has previously been stood down following complaints about his behaviour, after suggesting a rape victim was experiencing "buyer's remorse".
He also remarked "intoxication is not an excuse for the purposes of the tribunal" and said the woman had "put herself in that position".
In 2017 Mr Pithouse was reprimanded for suggesting it was a domestic violence victim's "right to get beaten up if she wants to".
That same year he escaped criminal conviction and was placed in the Magistrates Court diversion program for failing to stop after a crash after he smashed into the back of a parked car and drove away.
And in 2010 he was counselled by then-chief magistrate Ian Gray after refusing to hear a sexual assault victim's statement about the impact of the abuse on her, claiming it had been provided too late for him to consider before sentencing.
Mr Pithouse was appointed to the bench in 2008.
After the latest complaint the Judicial Commission recommended Mr Pithouse be stood down in light of a complaint that could amount to "proved misbehaviour or incapacity of the officer".
Public confidence in him, or the court's impartiality, independence or integrity could be impaired if he was allowed to remain in the role, they said.
