In a striking case that highlights the serious consequences of personal misconduct, a barrister has been suspended for harassing his former partner through abusive emails.
A barrister, Ikeni Mbako-Allison, has faced disciplinary action following his conviction for harassment, having sent his former partner a series of ‘very abusive, insulting and irrational’ emails. This decision by a Bar disciplinary tribunal underscores the weight legal professionals carry in upholding personal conduct standards.
The tribunal agreed with the district judge at Stratford Magistrates’ Court, who noted that Mbako-Allison demonstrated ‘a degree of paranoia’ in sending 48 emails over two and a half weeks in March 2021. The irrational and unsustainable belief that his ex-partner had been stalking him or hacking his computer was deemed delusional, contributing to the conviction.
Sentencing occurred in February 2022, where Mbako-Allison received a 12-month community order. Additionally, he attended an accredited programme, ‘Building Better Relationships’, and was placed under a two-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the former partner. His actions also led to financial penalties totalling £695.
The tribunal noted the absence of repeated behaviour and considered the suspension’s impact, recognising that Mbako-Allison had been unable to practise as a barrister since January 2022. The panel, chaired by Her Honour Sara Staite, concluded that while the misconduct appeared isolated, it warranted serious attention due to public expectations of professional behaviour.
Ultimately, the barrister received a nine-month suspension, a reduction from the indicative 12 months, balancing the severity of his actions against the delay’s financial implications. Costs of £2,000 were also imposed.
This case serves as a pertinent reminder of the professional standards expected within the legal profession, with disciplinary bodies taking a firm stance against misconduct.
