A barrister who was jailed for making indecent photographs of children has been disbarred by a disciplinary tribunal.
Lee Sowden, an unregistered barrister who was called to the bar in 2015, was convicted last year at Leicester Crown Court for offences relating to indecent photographs of children and failing to comply with a police investigation.
Sowden was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
The disciplinary tribunal found that 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.
According to the Bar Tribunals & Adjudication Service, Sowden also failed to report promptly, or at all, to the Bar Standards Board that he had been charged with indictable offences.
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 finding is open to appeal.
