Judge admits to conflict, apologizes

"Special Justice Susan Ashley has responded with what she called "great embarrassment" to a Judicial Conduct Committee grievance that accuses the judge of having a conflict.

Harriet Cady of Deerfield, a former state representative and self-described constitutional advocate, complained that Ashley signed a domestic-violence restraining order against her grandson, Daniel Cady, brought in Rochester District Court last fall by his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Whelan, even though Whelan had baby-sat for Ashley's children.

Ashley admitted her history with Whelan posed a conflict, but said she didn't notice Whelan's name on the case when she approved a restraining order recommended by Marital Master Robert Foley, according to documents obtained by New Hampshire Sunday News.

"I apologize to Mr. Cady, who has the right to have orders issued without the appearance of impropriety," Ashley wrote to the JCC on Feb. 19."

-- Union Leader