Solicitor suspended following stalking conviction

SOLICITOR SUSPENDED FOLLOWING STALKING CONVICTION

A solicitor and convicted stalker has been suspended from practicing law for a period of six months by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

The SDT approved a settlement in which Matthew Howells acknowledged that between March and July 2022, he engaged in stalking a former girlfriend.

He was aware, or should have been aware, that his actions constituted harassment through repeated attempts to contact her and sending her unsolicited items.

Howells pleaded guilty to stalking in Wimbledon Magistrates' Court in March 2023.

He received a 12-month community order, which included a requirement to complete 10 days of rehabilitation.

Additionally, a two-year restraining order was issued, banning him from directly or indirectly contacting the victim or visiting her home.

The court also ordered him to pay £500 in compensation.

Having qualified as a solicitor in 2018, Howells was at the time employed with City law firm Cooley (UK) LLP, from which he left in April 2023.

The allegation, brought forward by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, related to conduct up until 23 June 2022.

In his mitigation, though not explicitly endorsed by the SRA, Howells expressed deep regret for his actions, took full responsibility, and emphasized his ongoing commitment to the legal profession.