Barrister Navjot (Jo) Sidhu KC was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 19 March following three charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board being found proved at a previous hearing. The tribunal also ordered that Mr Sidhu should not be issued with a practising certificate pending any appeal.
The charges relate to sexual conduct towards a female student undertaking a mini-pupillage. The tribunal found that Mr Sidhu had acted in a way likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or the profession, in that, on or around 26 November 2018, whilst in a position of trust, he invited the student to stay overnight in his hotel room and in his hotel bed which invitation was inappropriate and/or unwanted and initiated sexual contact which was found to be inappropriate.
Spokesperson, the Bar Standards Board said:
“We are grateful to those individuals that made a report and gave evidence, without which the BSB could not have brought proceedings. The BSB recognises how hard it can be to come forward.
Conduct of this nature has no place in the profession and the public should not expect this from members of the Bar and this is reflected in the decision of the tribunal to disbar Mr Sidhu.
We are committed to eradicating this type of behaviour through taking enforcement action where appropriate. We have also undertaken outreach sessions with the profession on the resources and guidance on bullying and harassment and how to report concerns and we are looking at additional ways to provide support. We would encourage anybody who has experienced similar behaviour by barristers to report this to the BSB.”
The tribunal’s findings remain subject to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Navjot Sidhu KC
Mr Sidhu was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in 1993.
Reporting concerns about Barristers
If you have concerns about the conduct of a barrister you can let us know by making a report to us here.
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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