Judge’s Postwar Stress Blamed for Alcoholism

The alcoholism that destroyed Judge Robert Bradley’s career began 30 years ago when he turned to drinking to cope with the horror and bloodshed of the Vietnam War, a psychiatrist told a panel reviewing misconduct charges against the jurist.

Dr. Lloyd Moglen testified Tuesday, the final day of Bradley’s hearing, that the 57-year-old judge suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Moglen told a three-judge panel that Bradley served 10 months in Vietnam in 1968-69 and nearly lost his life when his helicopter was shot down on a supply mission near the Cambodian border.

Bradley is the first Ventura County judge to face formal proceedings on charges of judicial misconduct. He is charged with nine counts, including two drunk driving convictions and showing up to work under the influence of alcohol.

The panel--judges William A. Stone of Fresno, Judith L. Haller of San Diego and Richard L. Patsy of Contra Costa County--began hearing evidence Monday at the appellate court in Ventura. Bradley could face penalties ranging from admonishment to removal from the bench.

His judicial seat was filled in the November election. But his removal from office would bar Bradley from ever hearing cases again.

Bradley’s attorney, Thomas Brayton, acknowledged that his client committed prejudicial misconduct by coming to work drunk, driving drunk and violating the terms of his probation. But he told the panel that there is no evidence of willful misconduct.

The three judges are expected to hand down a ruling in the spring.