England: Barrister who made ‘offensive’ remarks about sex assault victim challenges ruling

Howard Godfrey QC, of 2 Bedford Row, said that the 16-year-old girl was “not unaccustomed” to drinking and that she was “not a young, innocent girl”.

His comments came during submissions at a Court of Appeal hearing in July 2015 when he argued for a reduction in the offender’s sentence.

The girl’s mother, who was in court at the time, complained about his remarks.

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) initiated proceedings against him, finding that his comments implied the victim bore responsibility for the sexual assault and that they were “offensive and unnecessary”.

Mr Godfrey was ordered to undertake a training course within a year in May.

However, his lawyers told judges in the High Court that he was simply performing his duty in advancing his client’s interests and that no one had said he intended to offend or insult the girl.

But James Counsell QC, for the BSB, said Mr Godfrey’s comments were irrelevant, adding that lawyers representing sex offenders must “avoid the risk of giving the impression that the victim of such an offence was in some way responsible for what took place, when she was not”.

Lady Justice Sharp and Mr Justice Spencer reserved judgment.