Unregistered barrister Christopher John Wilkins was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 3 July 2023 following findings of professional misconduct on a number of charges brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The charges arose from Mr Wilkins having been convicted of fraudulently evading VAT between 2012 and 2017, totalling £98,732. Furthermore, Mr Wilkins failed to report to the BSB that he had been charged with or convicted of the offence.
Mr Wilkins is an unregistered barrister and is not currently practising. The Tribunal ordered that the BSB must not issue a practising certificate to Mr Wilkins in the 21-day period allowed for any appeal to be made.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “The tribunal’s decision to disbar Mr Wilkins reflects his criminal conviction for an offence of dishonesty and his failure to report this conviction to his regulator. Such conduct clearly diminishes the trust and confidence which the public places in the profession and is manifestly incompatible with the high standards expected of the Bar.”
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Christopher John Wilkins
Christopher John Wilkins was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in May 1993. Mr Wilkins is an unregistered barrister and is not currently practising.
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
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