A barrister who continued to represent clients in criminal trials while he was suspended is to be disbarred from the profession, an independent disciplinary tribunal ordered yesterday.
The tribunal heard that Bruce Tattersall, who practises from London’s 11 Gray’s Inn Square, appeared in both a pre-trial hearing and criminal trial at Woolwich and Snaresbrook (pictured) Crown courts, in January and November 2012 respectively, despite still being suspended from practising.
He had been suspended in February 2010 after being found guilty of a string of misconduct charges, including practising without a valid practising certificate. He was fined £2,704 and suspended indefinitely until the sum had been paid.
Prosecuting for the Bar Standards Board, Leon Kazakos of 187 Fleet Street told the five-person tribunal panel that, as of yet, ‘no money has been paid’ and Tattersall’s suspension was still in effect.
The tribunal, chaired by HH Michael Baker QC, also heard that in April 2012 Tattersall had drafted, on behalf of his client, detailed reasons for an appeal, to be sent to the criminal division of the Court of Appeal – breaching his suspension again.
The regulator learned of Tattersall’s misconduct after his chambers contacted it to say they had received letters showing he was still practising while suspended.
Head of professional conduct at the BSB Sara Down said: ‘Clearly such behaviour is both disruptive for the court and distressing for the client. I’m sure that both members of the public and the profession would agree that Mr Tattersall’s actions were completely unacceptable and that the decision by the tribunal was the right one.’
