Barristers who have sex with junior staff 'must face sanctions'

Sexual relations between barristers and pupils and anyone undertaking work experience in their chambers should be banned to prevent predatory abuse at the England and Wales bar, a review by the Labour peer Harriet Harman has concluded.

- Haroon Siddique

The report on bullying and harassment, which calls for "decisive and radical change", comes months after Navjot "Jo" Sidhu KC was disbarred for sexual misconduct towards an aspiring female lawyer.

Harman, a former deputy Labour leader, said the case highlighted "the systemic issues facing the bar with regard to sexual misconduct".

Sidhu's case - which is under appeal - amplified longstanding concerns. He was a former chair of the Criminal Bar Association who had once been a contender to be the director of public prosecutions.