Paul Wynell-Sutherland

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

Paul Wynell-Sutherland, a dual capacity barrister, admitted five charges of professional misconduct arising from three separate drink/driving-related incidents (2019 and 2023) involving six criminal convictions (drink driving, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, failing to provide specimens) plus two failures to report convictions promptly to the BSB. The 5-person tribunal placed the matter in the upper range of Group E seriousness. Despite significant mitigation (medical difficulties, remorse, character evidence, admissions), the multiplicity and seriousness of the offending led the tribunal to order disbarment as the only realistic option, with immediate suspension pending appeal. No dishonesty finding was expressly made (though it noted he gave false details to police). No order for costs.

Duties found breached:

• Self-report to the regulator

Aggravating factors:

• History of repeat offending spanning a 4-year period involving six criminal offences on three separate occasions
• Respondent initially gave false details to attending officers on 8 March 2023
• Failure to report convictions promptly to the BSB
• High degree of risk to other road users; very high alcohol level in 2019 (116 microgrammes)
• Severe impact on public confidence in the legal profession

Mitigating factors:

• Admission of all charges / credit for early admissions
• Genuine remorse and contrition
• Extensive pro bono work and impressive character evidence
• Serious personal, family and medical difficulties, including a 2022 medical episode affecting cognitive abilities (relevant to 2023 offending)
• Benefit of doubt given regarding belief he was no longer disqualified