Barrister suspended for over two years after becoming ‘full on criminal stalker’

A barrister who ‘harassed, stalked and spied on’ a person for 16 months has been suspended from practice.

Jonathan Rodger, previously of Trinity Chambers in Newcastle, referred to himself as a ‘full on criminal stalker’ when admitting his professional misconduct that took place between September 2018 and January 2020.

His victim – only known as Person A – repeatedly begged him to stop contacting them, but his advances persisted.

A panel from The The Bar Tribunals & Adjudication Service was told the unwanted conduct related to their sex and violated their dignity or created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them.

The hearing heard how Mr Rodger ignored repeated requests by Person A to stop and they felt compelled to instruct solicitors.

Their solicitors wrote to the barrister in September 2019 urging him to desist and warning him of the possible consequences, but he persisted.

The hearing heard how an agreement was reached between Mr Rodger and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) as to the charges that he would admit.

But the following day he asked a third party – known as Person B – to meet with Person A in the hope that he receives lesser punishment.

At the time of the approach, by the third party, both people considered that Mr Rodger was trying to manipulate them. They each later asked the Tribunal to treat Mr Rodger leniently.

Mr Rodger, who is a self-employed barrister, admitted professional misconduct on October 14 last year.

He was suspended from practice for two years and six months in June this year.

Trinity Chambers, which is based in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Leeds, said he had worked with them since September 2018 but is no longer a member.

A spokesperson said: ‘A private tribunal and sanctions hearing in respect of Jonathan Rodger concluded on June 28.

‘By mutual consent, Mr Rodger ceased to be a member of Chambers immediately after the hearing had concluded.’

Mr Rodger also admitted three other charges of professional misconduct in October last year, which related to eavesdropping at work and being disrespectful to other staff members.

The third charge relates to him disclosing Person B’s personal mobile number to a male friend without her consent in October 2016.

Mr Rodger was ordered to pay £6,500 plus VAT to the BSB – a total amount of £7,800. The fines and costs must be paid within three months.

The panel said they took into account the ‘very many excellent’ character references from senior members of the Bar, instructing solicitors and full and part-time members of the judiciary.

They also considered Mr Rodger’s ‘difficult’ family circumstances.

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