Disciplinary proceedings
Bar Standards Board v Crawford [2017] EWHC 3101 (Admin), [2017] All ER (D) 21 (Dec)
The sanction of a reprimand imposed on the respondent had been within the appropriate range open to the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Council of the Inns of Court. Accordingly, the Divisional Court dismissed the appellant Bar Standards Board’s appeal. It further made observations arising out of the appeal that might assist future appeals by the Bar Standards Board.
Contempt of court
Simmonds (as trustee in bankruptcy of Mr Albert James Pearce) v Pearce (a bankrupt) [2017] EWHC 3126 (Admin), [2017] All ER (D) 10 (Dec)
As it was the first time that an application for committal had been lodged with the Administrative Court in respect of breaches of the Insolvency Act 1986, ss 312, 333 and 363 using the procedure set out in CPR 81.15, the Divisional Court gave guidance on the correct procedure. It then endorsed the claimant trustee in bankruptcy’s certification that the respondent bankrupt, without reasonable excuse, had failed to comply with his obligation under ss 333(1)(a) and (c), and 363(2).
