Navjot Sidhu KC

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

Mr Navjot Sidhu KC was found to have committed professional misconduct contrary to Core Duty 5 in relation to one complainant (Person 2), a mini-pupil. In November 2018, while in a position of trust during her mini-pupillage, he invited her to stay overnight in his hotel room and bed and initiated sexual activity, which the Tribunal found inappropriate and which he knew or ought to have known was inappropriate. Three charges (2, 4 and 6) were proved; numerous other charges relating to three complainants were struck out or dismissed. The Tribunal did not find the sexual activity to be non-consensual or unwanted to the criminal standard, but found the conduct inappropriate. No express finding of dishonesty was made. By a 3-2 majority the Tribunal placed the misconduct in the upper range of seriousness and imposed disbarment. No order for costs was made (BSB's costs application refused; Respondent's application for costs against BSB refused as no dishonesty or bad faith shown). Publication of the report was ordered.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Senior level of experience / prominent position at the Bar
• Abuse of a position of trust
• Significant disparity in seniority and experience
• Misconduct was intentional and sexually motivated
• Element of planning
• Directed at a person in a vulnerable situation

Mitigating factors:

• Previous good character / no prior disciplinary findings
• Numerous positive character references
• Commitment to the profession and to promoting diversity and inclusion at the Bar