Stuart Dodd

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

Stuart Eric Dodd, an unregistered barrister, faced eight charges of professional misconduct, all found proven in his absence. The charges arose from his failure to disclose criminal charges to Middle Temple before being called to the Bar, his convictions for breach of a non-molestation order and harassment of his former partner, his failures to promptly report the charges and convictions to the BSB, and his appalling, aggressive and abusive conduct during family court proceedings before Mr Justice Keehan. Although the tribunal noted the concealment 'might amount to deliberate concealment,' it expressly stated it could not be sure, so no finding of dishonesty was made. Various suspensions were imposed on charges 1-6, but for charges 7 and 8 the tribunal found the behaviour so extreme that disbarment was the only appropriate sanction to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession. He was ordered to pay costs of £3,662.71.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Self-report to the regulator

Aggravating factors:

• Concealment of criminal charges from Middle Temple prior to Call, meaning he would likely not have been called
• Behaviour before Keehan J described as appalling, worst the judge had ever experienced
• Conduct directed at a vulnerable person causing fear and humiliation
• Intention to intimidate the witness and former partner
• Lack of remorse and lack of insight
• Continuing discourtesy and abusive language towards the BSB
• Failure to cooperate with the regulator
• Likelihood of repetition of bad conduct

Mitigating factors:

• Harm caused by convictions was short lived/moderate
• Conduct in family court arose in his own personal proceedings as a litigant in person
• Emotionally charged nature of the family case