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The Law Society is due to initiate a disciplinary process to see if a further sanction is required after a top Jersey lawyer admitted that he assaulted a taxi driver in a drunken panic – leaving him cut and bruised.
David Steenson pleaded guilty to the offence, and was fined and sentenced to community service in the Magistrate's Court today.
Arriving at court this morning, Steenson's defence lawyer and colleague Paul Nicholls told reporters outside to "cover some real news" and called them "pathetic".
Steenson, who is Partner at his own law firm Steenson Nicholls, admitted the charge of common assault.
He was “absolutely mortified” to find himself in court as a defendant, according to his defence.
Pictured: Steenson was represented in court by Advocate Paul Nicholls, who works alongside him at their law firm Steenson Nicholls.
Steenson was celebrating with colleagues after the conclusion of a trial on the evening of 13 November and took a taxi home.
Film footage from a camera inside the cab showed the driver and the advocate talking amicably shortly before the incident.
However, Legal Adviser Merry van Woodenberg, prosecuting, said that when they reached his home and the driver asked for payment, the atmosphere changed.
“Mr Steenson appeared to be confused about how to pay,” she said
“The taxi driver waited for some five minutes. He then said he was going to take him to the police station.
“Mr Steenson started to grab at the steering wheel and the gear stick.”
The court was shown more footage in which Steenson punched the driver while shouting in a panicked voice: “Let me out of this car!”
The driver suffered “serious but not permanent injuries” and had to undergo a CT scan after the attack, which showed no lasting physical damage.
Ms van Woodenberg said: “He is now afraid to carry out his daily job. He is nervous about the passengers he carries. There has been emotional suffering.”
Advocate Nicholls, defending, said Steenson suffered from acute claustrophobia after an experience while potholing many years ago left him very nervous in enclosed spaces.
And he said: “One wonders why the taxi driver didn’t just let him out.”
He added: “Mr Steenson is extremely highly regarded as an advocate. By his own admission he has seriously screwed up.
“He will now inevitably face sanction by Jersey Law Society.”
Advocate Nicholls accepted that the offence could carry a jail sentence, but argued for community service.
He said Steenson had given up alcohol since that night and added: “We are dealing with a first offender and a man of impeccable character.”
Magistrate Bridget Shaw praised Steenson’s letter of apology, and added: “With your years of experience of working in the island, you are held in the highest regard. I accept this was a panicked reaction.”
In addition to the community service, she ordered him to pay £2,420.
Any lawyers convicted of a criminal offence in Jersey may subsequently face disciplinary action.
Following the hearing, the Law Society confirmed to Express that the process was due to be initiated, but was unable to confirm at this stage how long it will take.
The outcome of a disciplinary process is not publicised unless there is a public sanction such as a public reprimand or fine.
The Disciplinary Committee may also refer a matter to the Attorney General to take to the Royal Court for disciplinary sanction, which may include an unlimited fine, suspensions of up to 12 months, or striking off.
Decisions by the Royal Court are generally publicised.
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