The non-practising barrister, based in Wales, was disbarred following a disciplinary hearing by a bar tribunal. Despite being non-practising, the barrister, called to the Bar in 2008, is still subject to the regulator’s oversight.
The case that dates back to 2016 involves a road accident that the barrister was involved in, in which the other driving party, a van driver, admitted liability.
According to a report written by City law firm, Clyde & Co, which was drafted by the van driver’s insurers during the investigation of the claims, the barrister had claimed she suffered injuries to her neck, shoulders and back. She had also claimed that she had suffered a concussion, as well as “secondary fibromyalgia syndrome with hemiplegic migraines”. This is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and other symptoms throughout the body.
As a result of these injuries, the barrister claimed that she was unable to walk further than 100 yards without stopping and needed a handrail at all times while using steps. She also claimed that she avoided loud places as they were overwhelming, and subsequently, she had become isolated from her social life.
These claims fell apart, however when Clyde & Co found a social media post made by the barrister that showed her competently completing a 10-kilometre walk that included a substantial descent to a waterfall.
She was also found to have attended multiple gym classes, after additional surveillance evidence was carried out.
More evidence on social media showed the barrister attending weddings, family events and concerts, as well as travelling to numerous countries, including Switzerland, Scotland and Italy, to attend rugby matches.
The judge found that the barrister had been “fundamentally dishonest” about her injuries. Despite her originally claiming £250,000, she was only awarded £9,918.75 for the injuries that were actually sustained. This compensation was then offset against the costs she was required to pay.
The Bar Council has issued a call for greater consistency in remote hearings and increased investment in court technology based on findings from a new report on the administration and delivery of remote justice.
