An experienced solicitor has faced disciplinary action for making inappropriate sexual remarks directed at a probation officer in a courtroom setting, highlighting serious misconduct within professional legal environments.
In a case that has raised concerns about workplace culture in the legal profession, solicitor Geoffrey White has been reprimanded for making sexualised jokes at the expense of a probation officer. The incidents, which occurred at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, were addressed by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT), which found that Mr White’s actions included elements of bullying and sexual content.
Mr White, a solicitor with nearly 50 years of experience in magistrates’ courts, admitted to making inappropriate comments, describing his conduct as ‘indefensible.’ The tribunal heard that one of the incidents involved Mr White showing a young female probation officer an inappropriate image on his phone, which he compared to her appearance. This action left the probation officer feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable.
In another incident, Mr White made an inappropriate comment regarding the probation officer’s professional conduct while attempting to make light of a case involving a client accused of engaging in sexual activity on a train. The probation officer reported feeling extremely uncomfortable with the suggestion, which she deemed ‘outrageous and inappropriate.’
Mr White attributed his behaviour to an outdated ‘robing room banter’ culture that he claimed was prevalent when he qualified, but acknowledged that societal standards have evolved. He admitted to failing to maintain professionalism and had not received equalities, diversity, and inclusion training prior to these events.
The SDT concluded that Mr White’s humour was ‘misplaced, old-fashioned, and rooted in the distant past,’ and emphasized the need for EDI training for Mr White to prevent future occurrences. He was ordered to pay costs of £12,000 and reassured the tribunal that there had been no further complaints since the incidents.
The case underscores the importance of maintaining professionalism and evolving with societal standards within the legal profession. Mr White’s reprimand serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold ethical standards and respect in the workplace.
