Carly Walters

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

Barrister Carly Sarah Walters faced two charges of professional misconduct arising from two drink-driving convictions (2016 and 2020). The Tribunal found Charge 1 proved under Core Duty 5 only (not rC8), and Charge 2 proved under Core Duty 5 and rC8. The first offence was found not to bear on integrity, but the repeat offence did. No express finding of dishonesty was made. The Tribunal, proceeding in her absence, ordered that the BSB not provide a practising certificate for six months and not until she provides a GP letter confirming medical fitness to return to work. No order for costs was made due to her impecuniosity.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Repeat drink-driving offence (second conviction)
• Disqualification from driving for 40 months
• Failure to report convictions promptly (first effective self-report February 2021)
• Significant culpability given serious repeated offences
• Obvious risk of harm to others and herself
• Previous disciplinary finding - police caution for criminal damage to a motor vehicle

Mitigating factors:

• Mental health and alcohol addiction issues with efforts to address them
• Expressed remorse and showed insight
• Submitted a self-report
• Provided detailed written submissions
• No actual harm caused