Unregistered barrister Allan Zalimba Joel Ntata was prohibited from obtaining a practising certificate for three months by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 8 February 2024 following findings of professional misconduct in relation to charges brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The charges arose from a conviction which took place on 17 March 2022 in Malawi. Mr Ntata was charged with possession of 38.1 grams of Indian Hemp (Cannabis) without a licence or lawful excuse and also of attempting to export it by posting a parcel containing Indian Hemp to the United Kingdom, contrary to section 19 (1) of the (Malawi) Dangerous Drugs Act. Mr Ntata was ordered to pay fines totalling MK100,000.00 (approximately £50). In addition to his conviction, Mr Ntata also failed to be open and co-operative with his regulator by not informing the BSB of this conviction.
When considering the seriousness of the misconduct, the Tribunal accepted that while attempting to export illegal drugs is a serious matter in the regulatory context, in these circumstances the seriousness was tempered by the class of the drug and the quantities involved. The Tribunal therefore considered that the appropriate sanction necessary for maintenance of public confidence was to prohibit Mr Ntata from obtaining a practising certificate and to reprimand him for his behaviour.
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Allan Zalimba Joel Ntata
Mr Allan Zalimba Joel Ntata was called to the Bar by Middle Temple on 11 March 2004.
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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