Barrister Guy Sims was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 23 November 2022 following two charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
On 28 July 2021, Mr Sims was convicted of three counts of arranging and/or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, contrary to s14(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, for which, on 6 October 2021, he was sentenced to three and half years in prison.
The Tribunal found that Mr Sims behaved in a way which would be seen by the public to undermine his honesty and integrity and concluded that Mr Sims should be disbarred.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: "We consider the Tribunal's decision to order the disbarment of Mr Sims was appropriate in the circumstances. A criminal conviction for child sex offences is clearly incompatible with the high standards expected of the Bar."
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Guy Sims
Guy Sims was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Middle Temple in July 2000.
About disciplinary tribunals
The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service (BTAS) is responsible for appointing and administering Disciplinary Tribunals on behalf of the President of the Council of the Inns of Court and its tribunals are independent of the BSB. The BSB is responsible for bringing charges of professional misconduct against barristers, which BTAS tribunal panels then adjudicate. The sanctions imposed are a matter for the tribunal having regard to the facts of the individual case and the BTAS Sanctions Guidance.
About the Bar Standards Board
Our mission is to regulate barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest. For more information about what we do visit: http://bit.ly/1gwui8t
Contact: For all media enquiries call: 07432 713 328 or email [email protected].
