Robert Grimbley
Solicitor
131299

Decision - Sanction

Outcome: Rebuke

Outcome date: 8 December 2022

Published date: 12 December 2022

Firm details

Firm or organisation at date of publication and at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Eversheds Sutherland

Address(es): One Wood Street, London, EC2V 7WS

Firm ID: 383181

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

1. Agreed outcome

1.1 Robert Grimbley, a Consultant Solicitor at Eversheds Sutherland, agrees to the following outcome to the investigation of his conduct by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA):

1. he is rebuked
2. to the publication of this agreement
3. he will pay the costs of the investigation of £300.

2. Summary of Facts

2.1 On 20 July 2022, Mr Grimbley reversed his vehicle into another vehicle in the carpark of a pub. He was subsequently arrested by the police and charged with the offence of driving whilst under the influence of excess alcohol.

2.2 On 4 August 2022 at Chesterfield Magistrates’ court, Mr Grimbley pleaded guilty to this offence.

2.3 He was sentenced to:

1. disqualification from driving for 18 months, reduced to 14 months upon successful completion of a drink driving awareness course, and
2. a fine of £120

2.4 Mr Grimbley was also ordered to pay:

1. a victim surcharge of £48, and
2. costs of £85

2.5 Mr Grimbley notified the SRA of his conviction on 13 August 2022.

3. Admissions

3.1 Mr Grimbley admits, and the SRA accepts, that by virtue of his conduct and conviction for driving while under the influence of excess alcohol, he failed to act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors’ profession and in legal services provided by authorised persons, in breach of Principle 2 of the SRA Principles 2019.

4. Why a written rebuke is an appropriate outcome

4.1 The SRA’s Enforcement Strategy sets out its approach to the use of its enforcement powers where there has been a failure to meet its standards or requirements.

4.2 When considering the appropriate sanctions and controls in this matter, the SRA has taken into account the admissions made by Mr Grimbley and the following mitigation:

1. this is an isolated incident for which Mr Grimbley expressed remorse,
2. Mr Grimbley admitted guilt at the earliest opportunity and was fully cooperative with the police and our investigation,
3. Mr Grimbley promptly reported the conviction to the SRA and cooperated fully with its investigation.

4.3 The SRA considers that a written rebuke is the appropriate outcome because:

1. there was a disregard to the risk or potential risk of harm although Mr Grimbley’s conduct in this instance did not result in any personal injury or property damage,
2. a public sanction is required to uphold public confidence in the delivery of legal services.
3. remedial action has been taken by the successful completion of the Drink Driving Awareness Course,

5. Publication

5.1 The SRA considers it appropriate that this agreement is published in the interests of transparency in the regulatory and disciplinary process. Mr Grimbley agrees to the publication of this agreement.

6. Acting in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement

6.1 Mr Grimbley agrees that he will not deny the admissions made in this agreement or act in any way which is inconsistent with it.

6.2 If Mr Grimbley denies the admissions or acts in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement, the conduct which is subject to this agreement may be considered further by the SRA. That may result in a disciplinary outcome or a referral to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal on the original facts and allegations.

6.3 Denying the admissions made or acting in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement may also constitute a separate breach of principles 2 and 5 of the Principles and paragraph 7.3 of the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs.

7. Costs

7.1 Mr Grimbley agrees to pay the costs of the SRA's investigation in the sum of £300. Such costs are due within 28 days of a statement of costs due being issued by the SRA.