Barrister Kevin James Barry was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 29 October following three charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
Mr Barry admitted all three charges. The tribunal found that Mr Barry acted in a manner that was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or the profession. This related to two separate occasions in 2018 at post work social events where, unwanted, he sexually touched the same person and made comments of a sexual nature on the first incident.
Spokesperson, The Bar Standards Board said:
“We would like to thank the individual who came forward and we recognise the courage it takes to make reports about behaviour like this. The Bar Standards Board treats all such allegations seriously and will take action where necessary. We are committed to ensuring that such behaviour is not tolerated at the Bar. Mr Barry’s actions were serious and incompatible with membership of the Bar and this is reflected in the decision of the tribunal to disbar Mr Barry.”
The tribunal’s findings remain subject to appeal. The tribunal also ordered that Mr Barry should not be issued with a practising certificate pending any appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Kevin James Barry was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in November 1997.
About disciplinary tribunals
The appointment, operation, and decisions (including sentencing) of disciplinary tribunal panels are performed by the Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service (BTAS). BTAS is run independently of the Bar Standards Board, the barristers' regulator. The BSB is responsible for bringing charges of professional misconduct against barristers, which BTAS tribunal panels then adjudicate. The sanctions imposed are a matter for the tribunal having regard to the facts of the individual case and the BTAS Sanctions Guidance.
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