Henry Hendron

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

Henry Hendron, a barrister called in 2006, faced four charges of professional misconduct arising from criminal convictions for encouraging the supply of Class A and C drugs and possession of a Class A drug (crystal methamphetamine), for which he received concurrent sentences totalling 14 months' imprisonment. He admitted all four charges, which were found proved. The Tribunal placed the offences in the upper range of seriousness (significant culpability and harm), noting a background of repeated serious misconduct including a 2016 drug conviction, a 2017 three-year suspension, and nine charges proved in 2021. The Tribunal unanimously disbarred him on all charges and ordered payment of £2,670 costs within 28 days. The BSB was ordered not to issue a practising certificate pending appeal. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Previous disciplinary findings and convictions for similar offences (2016 conviction; 2017 suspension of 3 years; nine charges proved in May 2021)
• Drug misuse linked to misconduct
• Significant professional experience
• Misconduct was intentional and repeated
• Breach of position of trust and authority
• Took advantage of a vulnerable person (AB)
• Put his own interests above those of his clients
• Likelihood of repetition (for Charges 3 and 4)
• Convictions attracted a custodial sentence

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the misconduct and pleaded guilty in the Crown Court (though not at earliest opportunity)
• Reported the misconduct promptly
• Expressed remorse at bringing the Bar into disrepute
• Co-operated with the investigation
• Difficult personal circumstances including health issues and drug addiction