The recent tribunal ruling underscores the importance of professional conduct for legal practitioners.
- A barrister has been suspended for nine months following a conviction for harassment against a former partner.
- The tribunal cited emails sent by Mr Mbako-Allison which were deemed abusive and irrational.
- The barrister displayed paranoia and delusional behaviour towards the complainant, which played a role in the tribunal’s decision.
- This case highlights the delicate balance between personal actions and professional responsibilities for barristers.
A recent tribunal decision has brought to light the critical importance of professional conduct, as a barrister has been suspended for nine months after being convicted of harassment against his former partner. The suspension underscores the stringent expectations placed upon legal practitioners.
The barrister, Ikeni Mbako-Allison, who was called to the Bar in 2009, faced the tribunal following a conviction for sending a series of ‘very abusive, insulting and irrational’ emails to Person A over a span of two and a half weeks in March 2021. The barrage of 48 emails exhibited a concerning degree of paranoia, as observed by the disciplinary tribunal in agreement with the sentencing judge.
Stratford Magistrates’ Court in East London found that Mr Mbako-Allison sincerely believed that Person A had been stalking him or had hacked his computer, demonstrating a ‘paranoia towards the complainant which bordered on the delusional.’ Such beliefs translated into late-night emails, some incoherent, and others outright offensive with expressions such as ‘stop gassing me to cut my leg’ and ‘stop fucking with my computer dickhead.’
Following a police report by Person A, Mr Mbako-Allison was convicted in December 2021 for violating the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. He received a 12-month community order, was mandated to attend an accredited programme titled ‘Building Better Relationships,’ issued a restraining order forbidding contact with Person A for two years, and faced financial penalties amounting to £695.
The tribunal acknowledged Mr Mbako-Allison’s lack of repeated misconduct and noted the prolonged legal and professional consequences he has faced since January 2022. Chaired by Her Honour Sara Staite, the panel concluded unanimously that this misconduct appeared to be an isolated incident and that Mr Mbako-Allison had shown understanding of his actions.
Although the sanctions guidance suggested a suspension of more than 12 months, the tribunal determined a nine-month suspension was sufficient, taking into account the lengthy delay before the final ruling and its financial ramifications. Despite the significant impact of the suspension, the tribunal emphasised the necessity of maintaining public trust in barristers.
This case illustrates the significant repercussions that personal misconduct can have on a barrister’s professional standing.
