Firm director rebuked over conviction for assaulting neighbour

A law firm director convicted of assaulting his neighbour has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

James Riley, of Derbyshire firm Bakers Solicitors, pleaded guilty to assault by beating in March. The charge was brought following a police investigation into a report of an assault and abusive behaviour towards his next-door neighbour in May last year.

Local media reported at the time of his sentence that Riley had grabbed the female neighbour’s arm and wrist after she complained about him playing music in his garden just before midnight.

He was sentenced at Liverpool Magistrates Court to a 12-month community order, 50-day alcohol treatment order and five days’ rehabilitation. He was also ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £310 costs.

Riley immediately notified the SRA and subsequently admitted failing to act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the profession.

The SRA took into account that he co-operated fully with the investigation, that he showed insight into his actions, and that this was an isolated incident.

A rebuke was deemed appropriate because Riley was directly responsible for his conduct and because he was reckless as to the potential risk of harm. The sanction was also intended to deter Riley and others from similar behaviour in future. He agreed to pay £300 costs.

Dual-qualified Riley was called to the bar in 1995 and admitted to the roll in 1999, specialising in criminal defence work. He jointly established his practice in 2004.