London-based property law specialist now subject to a year-long restraining order and curfew
A top solicitor has been handed a £1,000 fine by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) after carrying out a two-month stalking campaign against her barrister hubby’s ex-lover.
Katherine Simpson — a property law specialist and head of residential real estate at Chelsea-based firm Pemberton Greenish — was found guilty on a single count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress at Southwark Crown Court back in June.
Her husband, Jonathan Simpson — who until last year was a barrister at London’s Charter Chambers — was also found guilty on a single count of stalking and sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for a year. He was already the subject of a restraining order and police warning when the stalking occurred.
Appearing before the SDT earlier today, Katherine — who resides in Winchester, Hampshire, with her husband — admitted professional misconduct. She was handed a £1,000 fine and ordered to pay £5,039 in costs.
Reports at the time revealed Katherine had sent a number of vulgar letters to three relatives of her husband’s former mistress alleging she enjoyed extreme sexual practices. The court also heard how the lawyer — whose forename and image have since disappeared from Pemberton Greenish’s website — made a number of nuisance calls to the unnamed woman, calling her a “c***” and a “chav”.
Judge McCreath subjected Katherine to a 12-month restraining order and curfew, operational between 10pm and 6.30am Monday to Friday to allow her to continue working as a solicitor. The judge branded her actions “utterly misguided”.
In December, Jonathan, who specialises in criminal law, was suspended from practice for 12 months by an independent disciplinary tribunal. Speaking at the time, a spokesperson for the Bar Standards Board noted:
A conviction for stalking is a serious matter. Mr Simpson’s conduct was below the standard expected of barristers. A suspension from practice reflects this.
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