A FORMAL investigation into magistrate Austin Molloy's 'scum' comments has been launched after an inquiry by court officials.

The JP hit the headlines after he labelled two teens who desecrated Blackburn Cathedral 'absolute scum'.

Following a meeting today, the local magistrates advisory committee has decided to conduct a full investigation.

It could rule that the case is so serious it must be dealt with by the Office for Judicial Complaints, which has the power to request the Lord Chancellor or the Lord Chief Justice to dismiss the magistrate.

The 57-year-old from Darwen will be allowed to continue sitting at Blackburn Magistrates' Court while the investigation takes place.

However, he will not be able to take up the role of chairman of the bench until the inquiry is complete.

A three-hour ‘fact-finding’ meeting at the court today, which included Mr Molloy, found that 'he had a case to answer' and ordered the investigation.

Mr Molloy declined to comment on the inquiry after the meeting.

A spokesman for the court service said: “The meeting was just to establish the facts and decide if a further investigation was necessary.

“The matter will now be referred to the advisory committee of the local bench.”

Jack Straw, Blackburn MP and former justice secretary, said he had spoken to MR Molloy ‘at length’ ahead of the meeting.

He said: “I fully understand the wealth of feeling that surrounds this case, both locally and nationally, and I feel that it is of great note that the father of one of the boys has backed his remarks.

“I had a lengthy conversation with Mr Molloy and I offered him some advice.

"I am following up his concerns and will do so in conjunction with his home MP Jake Berry.

“Mr Molloy's future is not a matter for the local bench, but it is a matter for the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice and he has a right to go before a review body.”

He said he found the court's initial decision 'surprising'.

Earlier this week, the father of one of the boys said he backed Mr Molloy's comments '100 per cent'.

Mr Molloy, a company director with 18 years’ experience on the bench, has been supported by the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Mayor of Darwen.

The comments were made last Thursday during the sentencing of two 16-year-old boys who had written abusive comments in prayer books and damaged a priceless cross.