Barrister suspended for groping female student who was recovering from serious sexual assault

A BARRISTER has been suspended for groping a female student who was already recovering from a serious sexual assault.

Sam Clement Brown, 37, touched the unnamed woman in a taxi, and again when discussing her career in November 2016.

Times Newspapers Ltd

Sam Clement Brown was appointed to mentor the woman before he groped her in 2016[/caption]

The London tribunal heard she was “still suffering the psychological effects” of having been subjected to “a serious sexual assault” abroad.

Brown, appointed by Inner Temple to mentor the woman, was ruled to have “failed to act with integrity” and was banned for six months.

A Bar Standards Board spokeswoman said: “The BSB recognises the difficulty of coming forward with an allegation of this nature and is committed to taking action where it is appropriate. ​

“Our decision to bring charges of professional misconduct against Mr Brown reflects this and the seriousness with which the BSB takes reports like this.”​

Several senior lawyers have raised concerns over sexual harassment in the profession.

Lady Justice Hallett, since retired as a Court of Appeal judge, said: “I do get young women coming up telling me stories that are horrifying.”

Brown has the option to appeal against the tribunal’s decision.

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