12 Nov 2019

Unregistered barrister Lee Sowden was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal at a hearing which concluded on 11 November, following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

The tribunal’s decision comes after Mr Sowden was convicted in November 2018 at Leicester Crown Court for offences relating to indecent photographs of children and failing to comply with a police investigation into the matter.

The tribunal found that Mr Sowden acted in a way which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence the public places in him or in the profession, and which could reasonably be seen by the public to undermine the barrister’s honesty and integrity.

Commenting on the order to disbar, Sara Jagger, BSB Director of Legal and Enforcement said: “The Tribunal’s decision to disbar, reflects the serious impact Mr Sowden’s criminal actions are likely to have had on the public confidence in those who hold the title of barrister.”

The tribunal's decision is open to appeal.

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

About Lee Sowden

Lee Sowden was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Middle Temple in November 2015.

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.

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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