Paul Wynell-Sutherland

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

A dual capacity barrister admitted all five charges of professional misconduct arising from repeat criminal offending over a 4-year period: a 2019 conviction for drink driving (116µg/100ml) and failing to stop, and 2024 convictions for two separate occasions (March and May 2023) of driving whilst disqualified and failing to provide a specimen, plus two charges of failing to report his convictions promptly to the BSB. The Tribunal placed the matter in the upper range of seriousness for Group E (criminal convictions), with an indicative range from suspension to disbarment. Aggravating factors included a history of repeat offending, giving false details to police, and late reporting. Mitigation included medical/cognitive difficulties (post-2022 medical episode), personal/family hardship, remorse, early admissions, pro bono work, and strong character evidence. The Tribunal concluded that to protect the public and maintain confidence, disbarment was the only realistic sanction. No express finding of dishonesty was made. No order for costs given the means statement.

Duties found breached:

• Self-report to the regulator

Aggravating factors:

• History of repeat offending - six criminal offences over a 4-year period on three separate occasions
• Initially gave false details to attending police officers (8 March 2023 incident)
• Failure to report convictions promptly to the BSB (4-year gap for 2019 conviction)
• High degree of risk to other road users from driving with excess alcohol and whilst disqualified/uninsured
• Severe impact on public confidence in the legal profession