7 Jun 2022

Barrister Timothy Raggatt QC was ordered to be suspended from practice for a year, with a further suspension of three months to run concurrently, by an independent disciplinary tribunal which handed down its decision on 6 June 2022 following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

The conduct arose in a criminal case where Mr Raggatt was instructed as leading counsel. The tribunal found that Mr Raggatt decided (together with others in the prosecution team) and/or advised the Crown Prosecution Service, not to disclose the existence of surveillance material when Mr Raggatt knew, or ought to have known, that the prosecution had in its possession such material which supported the defendant's alibi evidence and which undermined the evidence of one of its leading prosecution witnesses.  It was this failure that meant the conviction was unsafe and overturned on appeal. In so doing, the tribunal found that Mr Raggatt had engaged in conduct prejudicial to the interests of justice and had failed to assist the court in the administration of justice.

Commenting on the order to suspend Mr Raggatt from practice, a BSB spokesperson said: “This case serves as a reminder to all practitioners about the need to meet their duties relating to disclosure. In the circumstances of this case, the tribunal found that Mr Raggatt’s conduct had been prejudicial to the interests of justice and had failed to assist the court.”

The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About Timothy Raggatt QC

Mr Timothy Raggatt QC was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Inner Temple in July 1972.

About disciplinary tribunals

The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service (BTAS) is responsible for appointing and administering Disciplinary Tribunals on behalf of the President of the Council of the Inns of Court and its tribunals are independent of the BSB. 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.

About the Bar Standards Board

Our mission is to regulate barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest. For more information about what we do visit: http://bit.ly/1gwui8t

Contact: For all media enquiries call: 07432 713 328 or email [email protected].

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