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Solicitor Suspended for Six Months After Stalking Conviction

by | Mar 16, 2025 | Criminal Law, General News, Murder, Stalking Offences | 0 comments

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Solicitor’s stalking conviction highlights impact on professional scrutiny as well as personal implications.

A solicitor who was convicted of stalking his ex-girlfriend has been suspended from practising law for six months by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).

What Happened?

Matthew Howells, who qualified as a solicitor in 2018, admitted to repeatedly contacting his former partner and sending her unsolicited items between March 2022 and July 2022. This behaviour, which he knew—or should have known—amounted to harassment, led to his conviction at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court in March 2023.

Following his guilty plea, Howells received a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete a 10-day rehabilitation programme. Additionally, he was issued with a two-year restraining order, barring him from any direct or indirect contact with the victim or visiting her home. He was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation to his former partner.

At the time of the offences, Howells was employed at City law firm Cooley (UK) LLP, but he left the firm in April 2023.

The Legal Consequences for Howells

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which oversees the conduct of solicitors in England and Wales, brought disciplinary proceedings against Howells. He admitted the allegations, acknowledging that his actions up until June 2022 constituted serious misconduct.

In its ruling, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) found that his actions were deliberate, sustained, and damaging to the reputation of the profession. The tribunal determined that a more lenient sanction—such as a reprimand or fine—would not be appropriate given the severity of the misconduct. However, it concluded that an indefinite suspension or being struck off the roll of solicitors was unnecessary.

As a result, Howells was suspended from practising law for six months, starting from 27 February 2024. He was also ordered to pay £2,096 in costs.

Mitigation and Response

While Howells fully admitted his wrongdoing, he expressed deep regret for his actions and took full responsibility. He stated that he remains committed to the legal profession. However, the SRA did not endorse this mitigation.

What Does This Mean for Other Solicitors?

This case highlights the importance of upholding professional and personal integrity within the legal sector. Solicitors are held to strict ethical standards, and any conduct—whether inside or outside the workplace—that undermines public trust can result in disciplinary action.

For those in the legal profession, this serves as a stark reminder that:

  • Personal behaviour can impact professional standing. Criminal convictions, especially those involving harassment or abuse, will not be taken lightly by the SRA.

  • Reputation matters. The SDT made it clear that protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the legal system were key factors in their decision.

  • Sanctions can vary depending on the severity of misconduct. While Howells avoided being struck off, his suspension and financial penalty reflect the seriousness of his actions.

Final Thoughts

While Howells’ case is undoubtedly a personal and professional setback for him, it reinforces the SRA’s commitment to ensuring that solicitors uphold the highest standards of conduct. It also serves as a warning to others in the profession about the consequences of misconduct, even outside of the workplace.

How we can Help

If you have any questions regarding any aspects of stalking-related offences  any other aspect of sentencing guidelines, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0161 243 0299 or email us.