A barrister who failed to take ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure a client’s funds were held safely when using a third-party provider has been suspended from practice for six months.
Jonathan Gwyn Mendus Edwards, called to the bar in 1981, also failed to comply with court orders in relation to a judgment debt to repay the same former client. He also faced a charge in relation to not fully cooperating with the Bar Standards Board during its investigation.
Edwards admitted one charge related to his non-compliance with court orders but denied the others. The Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Service found all charges against Edwards proved.
It imposed a six-month suspension, with two-month suspensions for two of the charges to run concurrently and a six-month suspension for Edwards’ failure to comply with court orders and to engage with bailiffs in relation to the judgment debt.
Edwards was also fined £4,000 for failures relating to this conduct during the BSB’s investigation. The tribunal’s findings are subject to appeal.
A BSB spokesperson said: ‘Mr Edwards’ conduct did not meet the professional standards expected at the bar. The public expect barristers to comply with orders of the court and clients should also expect barristers to comply with the relevant rules when dealing with their money. His suspension reflects the seriousness of the breaches found.’
