The SRA imposes section 43 orders on Toby Daniel Everden and Anthony Sykes after separate child sexual offence convictions.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued section 43 orders against a former trainee solicitor and a former paralegal following convictions in two separate, unconnected cases. Legal Futures reports the orders were made under section 43 of the Solicitors Act 1974. Under them, neither man can work in legal practice without the SRA's permission.
Toby Daniel Everden was a trainee solicitor in the University of Southampton's legal services department. Legal Cheek reports that he pleaded guilty on 17 November 2025 to blackmail, making indecent photographs of a child, possessing extreme pornographic images portraying rape, and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. Legal Futures reports the SRA did not record his sentence. The SRA said his criminal conduct occurred outside of his work, and that the serious nature of the misconduct made it undesirable for him to be involved in legal practice without prior approval. Legal Cheek reports he was ordered to pay US$770 (£600) towards the SRA's costs.
Anthony Sykes worked as a paralegal at Ramsdens Solicitors from November 2022 to July 2023. Legal Cheek reports he was convicted on 11 December 2025 of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and of making indecent images of a child. Legal Futures reports the communication attempt was in summer 2023. He received a community order, notification requirements for five years and a five-year sexual harm prevention order. Legal Cheek reports he was also ordered to pay US$770 (£600) towards the SRA's costs.
The SRA said anyone involved in providing legal services is in a position of trust and confidence, and that Sykes' conduct seriously undermines that trust and confidence.
