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Criminal Justice Free Speech Legal Professionals

The Secret Barrister

The Secret Barrister is an anonymous junior barrister practicing criminal law in England and Wales. Through a series of books and a popular blog, this enigmatic figure has shed light on the intricacies and flaws of the UK’s legal system, making complex legal issues accessible to the general public.

The Secret Barrister should not be confused with the BlackBelt Barrister.

Update 19th August 2024 – Is the Secret Barrister not a Barrister of England and Wales ?

Update 23rd August 2024 – Paul Embery wrote an article Crossing swords with the ‘Secret [and very intolerant] Barrister’

The Cut Throat Trial, the debut legal thriller by the Secret Barrister (Lyndon Harris ?) writing as SJ Fleet, is out on the 28th August 2025.

If you have arrived here from thesecretbarrister.co.uk – Welcome !

Who is The Secret Barrister ?

The identity of The Secret Barrister remains unknown to the public, but everyone loves a good mystery and a healthy whodunnit !

Despite various speculations and attempts to uncover their identity, they have successfully maintained their anonymity until now. The Secret Barrister was described as a junior barrister specialising in criminal law, aged between 30 and 40, and not an Oxbridge graduate. They have also been described as a lefty lawyer.

The Secret Barrister stated on X that the question : Is Keir Starmer The Secret Barrister ? kept recurring.

There may be a clue to the identity of The Secret Barrister online with many people saying it is Lyndon Harris !

Mr Lyndon John Harris is listed on the register at the Bar Standards Board website. He was called to the Bar in Jul 2010. His Inn of Court is Gray’s Inn.

Lyndon John HARRIS was a Director of PRIMUS LEGAL MEDIA CONSULTANTS LTD (08870530).

Is The Secret Barrister Lyndon Harris of 6KPW Barrister Chambers ?

Who do you think The Secret Barrister is ? Will the Bar Standards Board reveal who they are ⬇

The Secret Barrister and a “Moron”

On the 7th August 2024 in response to a tweet by Alex Armstrong, The Secret Barrister replied publicly “You are a moron….”.

The Secret Barrister – You are a moron

In a now deleted tweet (due to continued abusive language), I asked if this behaviour was in breach of CD5 of the Bar Standards Board Code of Conduct.

CD5 You must not behave in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in you or in the profession

Bar Standards Board Code of Conduct

The Secret Barrister replied “Suck it up, buttercup. It’s called free speech. I understand your sort are very keen on it.

The Secret Barrister – Suck it up, buttercup

The term moron is now widely accepted as being dated and offensive.

A person affected with mild intellectual disability

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.

Miriam Webster definition of moron

“Name calling” is also widely considered to be a form of bullying and harassment. I believe it’s also illegal !

Hardly the behaviour of a Barrister of England and Wales. It displays wanton arrogance and a rules don’t apply to me attitude.

The Secret Barrister may have friends in high places and be an expert in law, however no one is above the law. Thanks for reminding me about free speech.

The Secret Barrister has been reported to the Bar Standards Board to investigate :-

You can also report behaviour by a barrister to us even if you were not their client. For example, you can make a report about barristers who may be:

……behaving in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in them or in the profession – for example if they are bullying or harassing someone or using racist, sexist, or otherwise seriously offensive language either in person or on social media.

Reporting concerns about barristers – Bar Standards Board
Barrister Alan Robertshaw discusses Barristers and behaviour on Social Media

From: Dom Watts
Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 10:25 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Reporting a concerns about a practising barrister (The Secret Barrister)
Importance: High

Dear Bar Standards Board

I wish to report a barrister ( The Secret Barrister) for a breach of CD5 and behaving in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in them or in the profession –bullying / harassing someone using seriously offensive language either in person or on social media.

I am unable to use your online reporting form as I do not have the details for The Secret Barrister. I’m sure you know who they are !

Can you confirm that they are a practising barrister and regulated by you ?

I believe that sending my concern by email is allowed by your Reasonable Adjustments Policy. If not, could you please provide their full name and chambers so I can complete your online form ?

Regards

Email to the Bar Standards Board with concerns about The Secret Barrister

The Secret Barrister on YouTube

Books by The Secret Barrister

  1. The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken (2018)
    • This debut book provides a critical first-hand account of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. It highlights the systemic issues and underfunding that plague the legal system, using real-life cases to illustrate these points.
  2. Fake Law: The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies (2020)
    • In this follow-up, The Secret Barrister tackles the misinformation and myths surrounding the legal system. The book debunks common misconceptions and explains how these falsehoods can harm justice and society.
  3. Nothing But The Truth: Stories of Crime, Guilt and the Loss of Innocence (2022)
    • This memoir tracks the author’s journey from a novice barrister to a celebrated legal commentator. It combines personal anecdotes with broader reflections on the state of the legal profession and the justice system.

Themes and Impact

The Secret Barrister’s works are known for their candid and often critical perspective on the legal system. Key themes include:

  • Access to Justice: Highlighting the barriers that prevent ordinary people from accessing legal representation.
  • Legal Aid Cuts: Criticizing the impact of funding cuts on the quality of legal defense available to defendants.
  • Systemic Failures: Exposing the daily failures within the courts that undermine justice.

Online Presence and Resources

The Secret Barrister also maintains a blog and an active X presence, where they continue to discuss legal issues and engage with the public. Here are some useful links:

Conclusion

The Secret Barrister has played a crucial role in demystifying the legal system for the public. Through their books and online presence, they continue to advocate for a fairer, more transparent justice system. Whether you’re a legal professional or simply interested in understanding how the law works, The Secret Barrister’s insights are invaluable.

Latest Blog Posts from thesecretbarrister.com

Check out our related articles on Barristers, Direct Access Barrister, Barristers Behaving Badly, Inns of Court, Council of the Inns of Court, Bar Standards Board, Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Innocent until Proven Guilty and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Criminal Justice Family Law Law Legal Analysis Legal Professionals

BlackBelt Barrister

Daniel ShenSmith is a practising Barrister and Mediator who is also known as the BlackBelt Barrister.

blackbelt barrister youtube

“I am a Barrister of England and Wales who helps you understand law”

Daniel ShenSmith BlackBelt Barrister Youtube

The BlackBeltBarrister YouTube channel provides free legal guidance and explains the different aspects of law, legal principles, and procedures. As of the 26th January 2026, the Black Belt Barrister has 905k subscribers and 2.6k videos.

The BlackBelt Barrister should not be confused with the Secret Barrister.

Black Belt Barrister is not a replacement for formal legal advice but it is highly informative and may help you to understand more about the law.

BlackBeltBarrister is a registered trademark.

Highly Recommended ★★★★★

Latest BlackBelt Barrister YouTube Videos

Check out our related articles on Rule of Law, Open Justice, What is Law, Is the Law Black and White ?, Branches of Law, Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination at the Bar, The Secret Barrister, Barristers, Direct Access Barrister, Barristers Behaving Badly, Inns of Court, Council of the Inns of Court, Bar Standards Board, Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services, Bar Council, Innocent until Proven Guilty and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Legal Professionals

Barristers

A barrister is anyone who has been called to the Bar in England and Wales. For a barrister to offer a full range of legal services (including what are known as “reserved legal activities”) a barrister must also be authorised to practise.

These barristers are recorded on the Barristers’ Register which records their practising status and address, the reserved legal activities they are authorised to undertake and whether they have been the subject of any disciplinary findings.

Barristers who are not authorised to practise are allowed to provide a more limited range of legal services but they must not refer to themselves as barristers in doing so.

Should a barrister that commits fraud be prosecuted and disbarred ?
Would this criminality and dishonesty diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in the profession ?

CI5

Called to the Bar is the symbolic barrier separating the public from those admitted to the well of the Court.

Role of a Barrister

A barrister is a legal professional who specialises in court advocacy and provides independent legal advice to clients. Here are key points about their role:

  • Court Advocacy: Barristers represent clients in court proceedings, both in defense and prosecution. They present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal submissions.
  • Independent Advice: Clients can directly instruct barristers without involving a solicitor. Barristers offer expert advice on case merits, potential outcomes, and legal strategies.
  • Self-Employed: Most barristers are self-employed and work from chambers. However, some may work in government agencies or private organisations.

Practice Areas

Barristers work across various legal practice areas. Some common ones include:

  • Criminal Law: Representing clients in criminal trials, appeals, and sentencing hearings.
  • Family Law: Handling divorce, child custody, and financial disputes.
  • Commercial Law: Advising on business contracts, disputes, and corporate matters.
  • Employment Law: Dealing with workplace disputes, discrimination claims, and employment contracts.
  • Personal Injury: Representing clients in accident claims and compensation cases.
  • Property Law: Assisting with property transactions, disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Qualifications

To become a barrister in England and Wales, follow these steps:

  1. Qualifying Law Degree: Obtain an LLB Law degree or a non-law degree followed by a conversion course (such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Law or Master of Arts in Law).
  2. Bar Practice Course (BPC): Complete the BPC, a postgraduate course that prepares graduates for barrister practice. Passing the BPC is a prerequisite for the final stage of training called pupillage.

Essential Skills

Barristers need a diverse skill set:

  • Communication: Ability to interact with various people effectively.
  • Analytical Thinking: Logical approach to problem-solving.
  • Advocacy: Representing clients’ interests persuasively in court.
  • Attention to Detail: Crucial for legal research and case preparation.
  • Time Management: Juggling multiple cases efficiently.
  • Commercial Awareness: Understanding business and industry contexts.

Watch Barristers Fighting for Justice on Channel 4

Taxi Driver Arrested with £1m Of Cocaine In His Car In London | Barristers | Channel 4 Documentaries

In summary, barristers are legal advocates who specialise in court representation and provide vital legal advice. Whether in criminal trials, family disputes, or commercial matters, their expertise ensures justice and fairness in the legal system.

Check out our articles on Direct Access Barristers, Bar Council, Barristers Behaving Badly, Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services, The Secret Barrister, Four Inns of Court, Council of the Inns of Court, Bar Standards Board, Bar Standards Board Justice ?, Rule of Law and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Legal Professionals

Barristers Behaving Badly

The Bar Standards Board publish Past disciplinary findings on their website in accordance with their Publication Policy. The Bar Standards Board regulate the Bar in England & Wales in the public interest.

The Bar Standards Board post new findings within seven days of a decision, but it can take up to 24 hours after this for the finding to appear on their website (or for a finding to disappear from there after it has been removed).

The Secret Barrister was reported to the Bar Standards Board on the 8th August 2024.

Before instructing a Barrister it is worth checking if they have any past disciplinary findings and if they are registered as a Barrister of England of Wales.

Here is a list of the Bar Standards Board Disciplinary Findings for the last 3 months (as of 13th August 2024). Click Sanction to see the full Disciplinary Statement or Barrister to see their full details.

Lincoln’s Inn has the most badly behaved barristers (disciplined in the last 3 months by the Bar Standards Board) !

Fines, sanctions and costs from Bar Standards Board disciplinary findings against Barristers are normally pitiful. Almost pointless !

i. made comments during the exam as set out in Schedule 1,
ii. used language during the exam as set out in i, ii, iv, and vii of Schedule 1 which was directed towards the proctor,
iii. made an offensive hand gesture by holding up his middle finger to the camera at the conclusion of the exam.

i. What is a watch going to do, how the fuck am I going to cheat with a watch, come on.

ii. What? Fucking piss off, I don’t need to start a fucking chat.

iii. This is annoying, oh my god, this is going to really piss me off.

iv. Right, go away now, fine, just going to sit there fucking flashing and be annoying.

v. Fucking finally, a criminal question… This civil shit… How can you have any ethics if you’re a civil practitioner, honestly.

vi. I’m so fucking bored of this.

vii. You’re going to kick up a fuss about me having a fucking ibuprofen aren’t you.

Barrister Mr Jack Henry Sadler fined just £500 by the Bar Standards Board
BarristerSanctionCostsDecision DateInn of CourtYear of Call
Mr Ikeni John Mbako-AllisonSuspended from practice for 9 months (Sentence still to take effect)£120025/07/2024Gray’s Inn2009
Mr Jack Henry SadlerFined in the sum of £500N/A03/07/2024Middle TempleMar 2023
Mr Henry Joseph Christopher HendronDisbarred (sentence effective from 31 July 2024) and prohibited from being issued with a practising certificate, pending any appeal.£267003/07/2024Middle TempleNov 2006
Mr Matthew Adam FeargrieveProhibited from being issued a practising certificate for 12 months (Sentence effective from 19 June 2024)£156019/06/2024Lincoln’s InnOct 1998
Mr James Patrick DeanDisbarred (Sentence still to take effect)£50006/06/2024Lincoln’s InnNov 1977
Mr Amjad HussainReprimanded and fined in the sum of £5000 (sentence effective from 15 July 2024£267029/05/2024Lincoln’s InnNov 1999
Miss Mary Laureen PokuProhibited from being issued a practising certificate for 24 months (Sentence effective from 7 June 2024) and prohibited from being issued with a practising certificate, pending any appeal, under rE227.3 (as an unregistered barrister)£3251.3508/05/2024Lincoln’s InnNov 1993
Barrister Disciplinary Findings – England and Wales

Barrister Mr Thomas David Davidson used a German accent during a hearing and said “Jawohl” at the same time as raising a hand in a Nazi salute. He was reprimanded by the Bar Standards Board and was fined £250 with costs of £1,750.

This is hardly a punishment or deterrent by the Bar Standards Board. Where is the justice in this pathetic reprimand ?

Check out our related articles on Barristers, Direct Access Barrister, The Secret Barrister, Bar Standards Board, Bar Council, Inns of Court, Council of the Inns of Court, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Innocent until Proven Guilty and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

Read the reviews of Junior Sussex Barrister Gavin Howe and Legal 500 Junior Barrister Eleanor Battie

“He is awful, underhanded and should not be practising law!”

She is a one-woman legal A Team”


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Judiciary Legal Professionals

Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO)

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) are an independent office which supports the Lord Chancellor and Lady Chief Justice in considering complaints about the personal conduct of judicial office holders.

It was established in 2006, following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, which reformed the way in which judges are appointed, disciplined and removed from office.

Make sure to read our article about the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board (SFJB) and its board members such as His Honour Judge Farquhar.

JCIO Annual Report 2024-2025

‘The commissioner’s decision is that the JCIO is not a statutory body. He finds that the JCIO is part of the MoJ which is a public authority for the purposes of FOIA. By failing to confirm whether it held the requested information within 20 working days, the MoJ has breached sections 1(1)(a) and 10(1) of FOIA.’

Judicial Conduct Investigations Office must comply with FoI requests

Rules and Regulations

How to Complain

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office can only deal with complaints about the personal conduct of judicial office holders. This means that they cannot accept complaints about a judge’s decision or the way a judge has managed a case.

The JCIO Making A Complaint website contains all the details along with the link to the JCIO portal.

Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) – 2004

Before the establishment of the JCIO, the responsibility for investigating complaints against judges rested with the Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC), which was established in 2004. The OJC was a part of the Ministry of Justice and had the power to investigate complaints made against judges in England and Wales.

However, the OJC was widely criticized for being insufficiently independent and for lacking transparency. In response to these criticisms, the government established the JCIO in 2006 as an independent body to investigate complaints against judges.

Judicial Complaints Investigation Bureau (JCIB) -1991

Before the Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) was established in 2004, the responsibility for investigating complaints against judges in England and Wales rested with the Judicial Complaints Investigation Bureau (JCIB), which was created in 1991.

The JCIB was a division of the Lord Chancellor’s Department (which later became the Ministry of Justice), and it was responsible for investigating complaints about the personal conduct of judges. However, the JCIB was criticized for being insufficiently independent and for lacking transparency, particularly following a high-profile case in 1993 involving a judge who was found to have used racist language.

JCIO Powers

The JCIO is responsible for investigating complaints about the personal conduct of judges, as well as their professional conduct. It has the power to investigate complaints made by members of the public, legal professionals, and other judges.

The JCIO’s investigations are carried out by a team of investigators who are independent of the judiciary.

Overall, the establishment of the JCIO was seen as an important step in ensuring the independence and integrity of the judiciary in England and Wales.

Disciplinary Statements

You can check if a a judge has had any disciplinary action against them as Disciplinary statements are published on the JCIO website and are sorted by year.

The JCIO publication policy states that a statement will normally be published when a disciplinary sanction has been issued to a judicial office-holder for misconduct.

The Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor may decide jointly to:

  • issue a statement in any case;
  • decline to issue a statement in any case;
  • delete a statement prior to the expiration of the relevant publication period.

Publication Periods

Statements published before 22 August 2022

Statements about cases which resulted in a sanction below removal from office will be deleted after one year. Statements about cases which resulted in removal from office will be deleted after five years.

Statements published from 22 August 2022

The following publication periods apply to statements published from 22 August 2022. Following the outcome of the 2020-22 review of the disciplinary system, statements now contain more detail. The JCIO privacy notice has been updated to reflect this change.

Sanction ImposedPublication Period
Formal AdviceTwo Years
Formal WarningFour Years
ReprimandSix Years
Removal from Office (except for failure to meet minimum sitting requirements)Indefinite
Removal from Office for failure to meet minimum sitting requirementsFive years

Requesting a Copy of a Deleted Statement

A copy of any statement which has been deleted following expiration of its publication period can be requested by emailing: [email protected]

Requesters must state the name of the office-holder. It will also help to locate statements if requesters give as much information as possible about the nature of the conduct for which the office-holder received a disciplinary sanction, and the year in which they believe the statement was published.

JCIO aims to reply to all requests for deleted statements within 10 working days.

JCIO Publication Policy

JCIO Disciplinary Statements 2026/2027

JCIO Disciplinary Statements 2025/2026

JCIO Disciplinary Statements 2024/2025

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

Check out our articles on Dodgy JudgesJudges Salaries and Fees, Can you Criticise a Judge, Can you Email a Judge ?, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Melbourne Inman KC, His Honour Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, HHJ Farquhar and the highly dubious Sussex Family Justice Board.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Government Judiciary Law Legal Professionals

Lord Chancellor

David Lammy was appointed Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice and Deputy Prime Minister on the 5th September 2025.

The Lady Chief Justice, at the Royal Courts of Justice, swore in the Lord Chancellor, The Right Honourable David Lammy MP on the 1st October 2025.

He was previously Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs between 5 July 2024 and 5 September 2025. David was first elected as Labour MP for Tottenham at the age of 27 in June 2000.

David Lammy the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, has made several critical statements about US President Donald Trump in the past, particularly when he was a backbench MP.

In 2018, Lammy wrote in a TIME magazine article that Trump was a “woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath” and a “profound threat to the international order.” He also called Trump a “tyrant in a toupee” and vowed to protest against the UK government’s “capitulation” to Trump during his visit to the UK.

In 2017, Lammy tweeted that Trump was a “racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser” and pledged to protest on the streets if Trump visited the UK.

In 2019, responding to Trump’s claim that he had been treated badly as president, Lammy tweeted, “4 US Presidents have been assassinated snowflake,” a comment criticized for its tone.

The Rt Hon David Lammy MP on US President Donald Trump

On the 5th July 2024 Attorney General Richard Hermer KC was sworn in.

As the Secretary of State for Justice, The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, heads the Ministry of Justice.

David studied law at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Law School and Harvard Law School. He was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales in 1994.

The Rt Hon David Lammy MP – Legal Experience

What is the role of the Lord Chancellor ?

The Lord Chancellor is one of the most ancient offices of state, dating back many centuries.

The Lord Chancellor, formally the lord high chancellor of Great Britain, is the highest-ranking traditional minister among the Great Officers of State in Scotland and England in the United Kingdom, nominally outranking even the prime minister.

The Lord Chancellor is responsible for the administration of the courts, prison system, legal aid, and probation services in England and Wales

The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister and is a senior member of the Cabinet. They head the Ministry of Justice as the Secretary of State for Justice.

You should read the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 which explains the transfer of some powers from the Lord Chancellor to the Lord Chief Justice.

Oath of the Lord Chancellor

The Lord Chancellor takes a sincere and solemn Oath from Part 2 Section 17 of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005

“I,     , do swear that in the office of Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain I will respect the rule of law, defend the independence of the judiciary and discharge my duty to ensure the provision of resources for the efficient and effective support of the courts for which I am responsible. So help me God.”

Oath of the Lord Chancellor Part 2 Section 17 Constitutional Reform Act 2005

Previous Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

  1. The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP 2024 to 2025
  2. The Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC 2023 to 2024
  3. The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP 2022 to 2023
  4. The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP 2022 to 2022
  5. The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP 2021 to 2022
  6. The Rt Hon Robert Buckland KC MP 2019 to 2021
  7. The Rt Hon David Gauke 2018 to 2019
  8. The Rt Hon David Lidington CBE 2017 to 2018
  9. The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP 2016 to 2017
  10. The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP 2015 to 2016
  11. The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP 2012 to 2015
  12. The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke KC 2010 to 2012

Photo Credit : David Lammy

Check out the related articles on the Government Legal Department (GLD), Attorney General, Solicitor General, Lady Chief Justice, Justice Secretary, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Law, Is the Law Black and White ?, Government Legal Department, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Can a Judge Direct a Jury to Find a Defendant Not Guilty ?, Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


Latest Articles


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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Legal Professionals

Gavin Howe Barrister

“Gavin Howe has shown a distinct lack of manners and legal competence as a Family Law Barrister on multiple occasions that I have witnessed.

Mr Howe could not even get his client’s name or marital status right during Financial Remedy proceedings.

In my opinion, Mr Howe attempted to deliberately mislead the High Court by making a false statement in writing to Mr Justice Cohen of the Family Division of the High Court.

Mr Howe decided it was appropriate to argue with the Court Clerk who was assigned to the Courtroom that Mrs Justice Roberts of the Family Division of the High Court was sitting in. Mr Howe was unhappy that the Court Clerk had instructed a Litigant in Person and their McKenzie Friend to sit on the front bench in the High Court which is normally reserved for Kings Council (KC).

Mr Howe should learn how to use a clothes iron as his unkempt appearance in front of Mrs Justice Roberts at the High Court of England and Wales was in a gown which can only be described as being creased and incredibly scruffy.

Mr Howe’s conduct has shown wanton insolence and contempt to the Court and in particular to the High Court of England and Wales. I am sure this behaviour also breaches the Bar Standards Board (BSB) Handbook 4.8

I would suggest you to think very carefully and perform the necessary due diligence before instructing this Barrister from the 1 Crown Office Row (1COR) chambers in Brighton Sussex”

Rev Dom Watts November 2022

The following critical review of Gavin Howe was written by Rev D A C Barnes DD (RIP) on the 25th November 2022.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

“He is awful, underhanded and should not be practising law!” – Anonymous Victim 14th May 2023.

Gavin Howe – Google Images

Gavin Howe Barrister 1 Crown Office Row Chambers (1COR)

Gavin Howe Direct Access Barrister 1 Crown Office Row Direct Chambers (1COR Direct)

Gavin Howe Barrister Bar Standards Board Registration

Gavin Paul Howe Companies House Appointments

Gavin Howe ICO Registration

Gavin Howe Trustee The Royal Navy Football Association

Gavin Howe Instagram

Barrister from Wikipedia

The Bar Standards Board regulates barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest.

The BSB Handbook 4.8 contains the rules about how barristers must behave and work. It also contains the Code of Conduct for barristers.

A Family Law Barrister should have expert knowledge of the Children’s Act 1989 and Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.

Reporting a Concern about a Barrister such as Gavin Howe of the Sussex Barristers Chambers known as 1 Crown Office Row (1COR) is straightforward at the Bar Standards Board website using the Online Reporting Form.

You can also report your concern about a barrister by using the Word version of the form and then sending it by email to [email protected] or by post to: The Bar Standards Board, 289-293 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7HZ.

Competencies:

Advocacy and interpersonal skills, analytical mind, critical thinking, commercial sense.

Experienced counsel. Family law barrister. Financial remedy barrister.

Incompetencies:

Not good with names, dates, numbers or HMRC tax calculations. Watts ?

Education required England and Wales:

Bar Professional Training Course with pupillage (and possibly Common Professional Examination)

Mr Gavin Howe is a self employed barrister at the 1 Crown Office Row Barristers Chambers in Brighton. Gavin Howe [email protected]

Gavin Howe was called by Gray’s Inn in November 2003.

This page is not sponsored by Gavin Howe, a barrister at 1COR, nor is it an endorsement of Gavin Howe. It contains personal opinions protected by common law and Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 along with publicly available information.

Read the reviews of Eleanor Battie (Lincoln’s Inn) who is also a barrister at the 1 Crown Office Row (1COR) Barristers Chambers in Brighton Sussex.

Check out our articles on BarristersDirect Access BarristersBar Standards Board, Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services, Bar Council, Council of the Inns of Court, Four Inns of CourtEtiquette and Manners in Court and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

Fair dealing for criticism, review or quotation is allowed for any type of copyright work. All sources acknowledge


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


Latest Articles


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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Government Judiciary Legal Professionals

Attorney General

The Attorney General is a senior legal officer in the United Kingdom who is responsible for representing the Crown and the government in legal matters.

Role of the Attorney General

The Attorney General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, and is usually a member of the government.

The role of the Attorney General is multifaceted and includes the following main responsibilities:

  • Overall responsibility for the work of the Attorney General’s Office and superintended Departments (the Government Legal Department, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate)
  • Specific statutory duty to superintend the discharge of duties by the Director of Public Prosecutions (who heads the Crown Prosecution Service) and the Director of the Serious Fraud Office
  • Non-statutory general oversight of the Services Prosecuting Authority and government prosecuting departments
  • Government’s principal legal adviser dealing with (amongst others) questions of international law, human rights, devolution and COVID-19 issues
  • Public interest functions, for example, reference of unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal, bringing proceedings for contempt of court and intervention in certain proceedings to protect charities
  • Questions of law arising on Bills and with issues of legal policy
  • Legal aspects of all major international and domestic litigation involving the Government, (including matters related to future relations with the EU)

The Attorney General also holds the separate office of Advocate General for Northern Ireland. The Advocate General for Scotland has specific responsibility for Scottish law matters.

Ministerial Role – Attorney General

The current Attorney General of the United Kingdom is Richard Hermer who was appointed on the 5th July 2024.

Richard Hermer was appointed Attorney General on 5 July 2024.

Ministerial Role – Attorney General

Attorney General Office

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) provides legal advice and support to the Attorney General and the Solicitor General (the Law Officers) who give legal advice to government. The AGO helps the Law Officers perform other duties in the public interest, such as looking at sentences which may be too low.

AGO is a ministerial department, supported by 4 agencies and public bodies.

History of the Attorney General

The role of the Attorney General in the United Kingdom can be traced back to the medieval period, when the King’s legal advisor was known as the “King’s Serjeant”. Over time, this role evolved into that of the Attorney General, who was responsible for representing the Crown in legal matters and advising the government on legal issues.

The first recorded holder of the title of Attorney General was William de Boneville, who was appointed by King Edward I in 1278. However, it was not until the 16th century that the role of the Attorney General became more clearly defined and institutionalized.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the late 16th century, the Attorney General became an important figure in the administration of justice and the government. The Attorney General was responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, advising the monarch and the government on legal matters, and representing the Crown in court.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the role of the Attorney General continued to evolve, with a growing focus on providing legal advice to the government and upholding the rule of law. Today, the Attorney General remains an important legal officer in the United Kingdom, with a wide range of responsibilities and duties related to representing the Crown and the government in legal matters.

Attorney General Salary

The Attorney General is entitled to a salary of £100,819 but claims £94,450 according to Salaries of members of His Majesty’s Government: April 2022

This is addition to the basic annual salary for an MP from 1 April 2022 which is £84,144 according to Pay and expenses for MPs.

Ask the Attorney General’s Office to Review a Crown Court Sentence

Ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed. Anyone can ask for a sentence to be reviewed – you do not have to be involved in the case. The Attorney General’s Office can review very low sentences given by the Crown Court in England and Wales if they’re asked to.

Check out our related articles on the Solicitor General, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lady Chief Justice, Lord Chancellor, Justice Secretary, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Law, Is the Law Black and White ?, Government Legal Department, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Can a Judge Direct a Jury to Find a Defendant Not Guilty ?,Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


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There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

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Judiciary Legal Professionals

Chief Magistrate

The title Chief Magistrate holds historical and contemporary significance in various legal and governmental systems across the world.

The Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) of England and Wales, as they are known, has a leadership responsibility for the 300-or-so District Judges (Magistrates’ Court) (DJMCs), and Deputy DJMCs across England and Wales.

The Chief Magistrate has no authority over lay magistrates, or over the several hundreds of district judges who sit in the county courts of England and Wales.

The current Chief Magistrate of England and Wales is Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring.

The current Deputy Chief Magistrate of England and Wales is Senior Deputy District Judge Tanweer Ikram CBE.

The position of Chief Magistrate, often laden with authority and responsibility, embodies the essence of governance, justice, and leadership within a jurisdiction.

The Chief Magistrate is responsible for:

  • hearing many of the most sensitive or complex cases in the magistrates’ courts and in particular extradition and special jurisdiction cases.
  • supporting and guiding district judge (magistrates’ court) colleagues.
  • liaising with the senior judiciary and Presiding Judges on matters relating to magistrates’ courts and district judges (magistrates’ courts).

The Chief Magistrate’s Office is also responsible for arranging sittings of Deputy DJMCs across England and Wales, and managing the hearings of disciplinary adjudications in prisons. Where a disciplinary offence by a prisoner merits additional days of imprisonment, full-time district judges are deployed to prisons to hear the cases. Requests come from prisons throughout the country – a list of cases is then built up, and when a sufficient number of cases has been generated, a judge attends the prison to hear them.

Chief Magistrate Courts and Tribunal Judiciary

Deputy Chief Magistrate of England and Wales Controvesy

Three women convicted of terror offence for ‘celebrating’ Hamas attack on Israel by displaying images of paragliders at pro-Palestinian march were spared jail as the Deputy Chief Magistrate of England and Wales, Senior Deputy District Judge Tanweer Ikram CBE says he ‘decided not to punish’ them after ’emotions ran very high’.

For this offence, Section 13(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000 allows for :-

(a)imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,
(b)a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or
(c)both.

Why did the Deputy Chief Magistrate “let them off” so lightly ?

On the 11th June 2024 Deputy Senior District Judge Tanweer Ikram CBE was issued with a formal warning for misconduct by the JCIO.

The Deputy Chief Magistrate of England and Wales inadvertent ‘liking’ of a post had resulted in a perception of bias. The Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice were not satisfied that a sanction of formal advice was sufficient in this case as he had caused “significant reputational damage to the judiciary”.

A row has broken out after a judge who decided to let three women wearing parachute images at a pro-Palestine march walk free admitted to liking a social media post branding Israel a ‘terrorist’.

Tanweer Ikram is facing calls to be investigated for a conflict of interest after he liked a LinkedIn post calling for a ‘free Palestine ‘ by a barrister who had previously promoted conspiracy theories claiming that Israel allowed the October 7 attack.

The senior district judge admitted to liking the post ‘by mistake’ three weeks ago, but was told by the Judicial Office that the matter would not be investigated further.

Daily Mail – Senior Deputy District Judge Tanweer Ikram

History of the Chief Magistrate

From ancient times to modern democracies, the chief magistrate has played a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring the administration of justice, and maintaining social order.

Historically, the term “magistrate” finds its roots in ancient Rome, where magistrates held considerable power in the Roman Republic.

They were responsible for the administration of justice, overseeing public ceremonies, and enforcing laws. The chief magistrate, known as the “consul,” was the highest-ranking official elected to lead the republic for a term of one year. Their authority was balanced by the Senate and other governmental bodies, reflecting a system of checks and balances.

When the first Chief Magistrate began sitting at Bow Street in 1735, the title wasn’t confusing at all – at the time, magistrates in London were paid judicial office-holders, and magistrates’ courts in London were presided over by Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrates.  All magistrates – paid and unpaid – are Justices of the Peace. Nowadays the word magistrate is more commonly used for the unpaid judicial office holders, also commonly known as JPs.

Early holders of the post also had responsibility for the Bow Street Runners, until they were replaced by the Metropolitan Police in the 19th century.

Chief Magistrate’s Office

The Chief Magistrate’s Office provides administrative support both to the Chief Magistrate and to district judges sitting at all the magistrates’ courts in England and Wales.

The Chief Magistrate’s Office is based at:

181 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 5BR

DX 120551, Marylebone 9

Email addresses:

Chief Magistrates’ Office enquiries mailbox: [email protected]

Judicial Deployment mailbox: [email protected]

Independent Adjudication mailbox : [email protected]

Chief Magistrate’s Office
ContactPosition
Paul GoldspringSenior District Judge (Chief Magistrate)
Tanweer Ikram CBEDeputy Senior District Judge (Deputy Chief Magistrate)
Stephen SmithPA and Business Support to the Senior District (Chief Magistrate) and Deputy Senior District (Chief Magistrate)
Claire-Louise ManningLegal Adviser and Researcher for the Chief Magistrate
Rahat SiddiqiDelivery Manager
Khalilur RahmanAdmin officer – Deployment Section
Jabir AhmedAdmin officer – Deployment Section
Karen JenningsTeam Leader – Prison Section
Karolina ZukauskaiteAdmin officer – Prison Section
Gold Fax 01264 887 396
Contacts at the Chief Magistrates Office

Check out our related articles on Judiciary, Complain About a Magistrate, Dodgy Magistrates, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Is the Law Black and White ?, Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Judiciary Legal Professionals

Dodgy Judges

Here are a few examples of dodgy judges of England and Wales, otherwise known as rogue judges, that have been dismissed, disciplined, resigned or just been badly behaved. Some judges even managed to get criminal convictions.

“Publicity is the very soul of justice. . . . It keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial….Where there is no publicity there is no justice”

Jeremy BenthamMr Justice Cobb: ‘Justice must be seen to be done’

The three key values which are central to the role of judicial office holders (JOHs) in England and Wales are:
• Independence
• Impartiality
• Integrity

HHJ Helen Lusty

Someone sent a little legal valentines love by post ❤️ Is HHJ Helen Lusty corrupt ? Sussex Family Justice Board ?

In my opinion, these judges are almost as questionable as His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, Mr Justice Williams, Sussex Family Justice Board and the Sussex judges HHJ Farquhar, HHJ Bedford and HHJ Lusty !

  1. Judge Constance Briscoe was dismissed from the judiciary in 2014 after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice. She was sentenced to 16 months in prison for lying to the police during an investigation into former cabinet minister Chris Huhne’s speeding points.

Reference: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28675376

  1. Judge Peter Smith resigned in 2016 after the JCIO began investigating Smith’s conduct in July 2015 about a matter involving British Airways and his luggage.

Reference : https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/conduct-probe-into-high-court-judge-ends-with-retirement/5063448.article

  1. Judge Beatrice Bolton. The Crown Court judge who was convicted of failing to control a dangerous dog will face no further disciplinary action after she handed in her resignation..

Reference : https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/judge-beatrice-bolton-quits-after-1340889

4. Judge Heather Perrin was dismissed from the judiciary in 2012 after being found guilty of professional misconduct for deceiving a client in a property deal.

Reference: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20525832

5.  Deputy Senior District Judge Tanweer Ikram CBE was issued with a formal warning for misconduct by the JCIO.

The Deputy Chief Magistrate of England and Wales inadvertent ‘liking’ of a post had resulted in a perception of bias. The Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice were not satisfied that a sanction of formal advice was sufficient in this case as he had caused “significant reputational damage to the judiciary”.

JCIO Disciplinary Statements 2026/2027

JCIO Disciplinary Statements 2025/2026

JCIO Disciplinary Statements 2024/2025

JCIO Disciplinary Statements 2023/2024

JCIO Disciplinary Statements are published by year on the JCIO website

A statement will normally be published when a disciplinary sanction has been issued to a judicial office-holder for misconduct.

The Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor may decide jointly to:

  • issue a statement in any case;
  • decline to issue a statement in any case;
  • delete a statement prior to the expiration of the relevant publication period.

Publication Periods

Statements published before 22 August 2022

Statements about cases which resulted in a sanction below removal from office will be deleted after one year. Statements about cases which resulted in removal from office will be deleted after five years.

Statements published from 22 August 2022

The following publication periods apply to statements published from 22 August 2022. Following the outcome of the 2020-22 review of the disciplinary system, statements now contain more detail. The JCIO privacy notice has been updated to reflect this change.

Sanction ImposedPublication Period
Formal AdviceTwo Years
Formal WarningFour Years
ReprimandSix Years
Removal from Office (except for failure to meet minimum sitting requirements)Indefinite
Removal from Office for failure to meet minimum sitting requirementsFive years
JCIO Sanctions and Publication Period

Requesting a Copy of a Deleted Statement

A copy of any statement which has been deleted following expiration of its publication period can be requested by emailing: [email protected]

Requesters must state the name of the office-holder. It will also help to locate statements if requesters give as much information as possible about the nature of the conduct for which the office-holder received a disciplinary sanction, and the year in which they believe the statement was published.

JCIO aims to reply to all requests for deleted statements within 10 working days.

Disciplinary Statements – JCIO

These example only represent a small fraction of judicial misconduct cases in the UK. These cases demonstrate the importance of judicial ethics and the need for accountability within the justice system.

The importance of maintaining high ethical standards in the UK judiciary cannot be overstated, and the consequences that judges may face if they engage in misconduct.

While it is important to hold judges accountable for their actions, instances of judges being dismissed for misconduct are relatively rare.

It is worth noting that the vast majority of judges in the UK are ethical and diligent in carrying out their duties. When instances of misconduct do occur, they are usually dealt with through disciplinary proceedings or other forms of corrective action.

Complain about a judge to the JCIO ?

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) are an independent office which supports the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice in considering complaints about the personal conduct of judicial office holders.

JCIO Complaint

Here is the complaint I made to the JCIO in November 2020 against DDJ Mills (Deputy District Judge Mills) that was unfortunately dismissed.

a) Was “rude and condescending” and spelt out his name M-I-L-L-S, he:
• “Appeared to have superiority complex by the language used”. He spelt out his name in “an incredibly patronising way”.
• Stated, “I suggest you continue your studies in English Law Mr Watts as you appear to know nothing“.

Amnesia ?

DDJ Mills and Miss Eleanor Harriet Battie of 1 Crown Office Reach (1COR) both appear to have suffered from amnesia. Deputy District Judge Chris Mills continues to sit (fee paid) and inflict himself on the public.

Fortunately for both of them the Court failed in its legal duty to record the hearing. How convenient ! Hearings at the Crown Court and at civil and family courts are always recorded.

“Having searched all the BT Meet Me recordings for the 1st of October it is unfortunate that I have to advise you that there must have been a technical glitch on that day and your hearing was not recorded.

Brighton County and Family Courts Court Clerk and Court Usher manager

“a particular burden on the court and herself, as an officer of the court, to ensure that everyone involved understood clearly what was being said.”

Eleanor Battie Barrister JCIO

This statement is clearly untrue and misleading

“In the UK, barristers are not officers of the court unlike solicitors”.

It is possible that the JCIO misquoted Miss Battie, but as a barrister Eleanor Battie is bound by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) rules and code of conduct. Ms Battie, I believe, had a duty to immediately apologise for misleading the JCIO and to correct the record. I do not believe that this ever happened.

In my opinion, this is shameful behaviour or legal ignorance by the barrister Eleanor Battie and no doubt in breach of the Bar Standards Handbook 4.8

Check out the articles on Judges Salaries and Fees, Lady Chief Justice, Mr Justice Williams, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, His Honour Judge Guy Kearl, Can you Criticise a Judge, Can you Email a Judge ? and the highly dubious Sussex Family Justice Board.

His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC on X !

Fair dealing for criticism, review or quotation is allowed for any type of copyright work. All sources acknowledged. Article updated 16th April 2025 to update latest JCIO Disciplinary Statements.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


Latest Articles


Most Popular


You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Rule of Law - Open Justice - Policing By Consent