Bar tribunal suspends high-profile criminal barrister following harassment conviction

In 2014, Mr Sefton was handed a suspended three-month prison sentence and a £3,000 fine in a Northern Ireland court after sending 'abusive, intimidating and controlling' texts to his ex-girlfriend. Last week, the BTAS ruled that Mr Sefton should be barred from practice for three months and ordered him to pay a £400 fine for failing to disclose the conviction to the Bar Standards Board of England and Wales and for engaging in conduct that 'was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him as a barrister.' Mr Sefton also reportedly failed to disclose a six-month suspension handed down by The Bar of Northern Ireland in July following his conviction, which is now under review by the Bar Council's Disciplinary Committee. According to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Sefton is one of the most high-profile criminal barristers in Northern Ireland. He is credited with defending double murderer Hazel Stewart, as well as prosecuting so-called 'Black Widow' Jackie Crymble, who was jailed in 2007 for murdering her husband. The latest ruling by the BTAS is open for appeal. Sources: Legal Futures; The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service; BBC