Recorder Taylor reprimands remote barrister seen in underwear during live court session
A barrister appearing via video link at Shrewsbury Crown Court has received a stern rebuke from Recorder Julian Taylor after showing up in full legal attire — but without any trousers.
The unnamed lawyer startled courtroom attendees when he appeared onscreen dressed in his barrister’s gown and wing-collared shirt, but conspicuously missing trousers, revealing what appeared to be either underwear or a pair of shorts.
The incident, first reported by The Birmingham Mail, unfolded in a virtual courtroom setting. When the court clerk connected the video link, it revealed not only the barrister’s questionable attire but also a dishevelled bedroom in the background and disruptive noises emanating from his environment through the court’s speakers.
As confusion swept through the room, Recorder Taylor asked sharply, “Where is he?” The clerk replied with a routine, “Can you see and hear the court?” Moments later, the barrister stepped into view—clearly unprepared for the professional setting he had just entered.
“It looks like you’re not properly dressed,” said Recorder Taylor, visibly unimpressed. “The bedroom looks most unsatisfactory. These hearings, when conducted remotely, should be treated as though they are in court.”
Embed from Getty ImagesHe continued: “I’m not impressed with you appearing in a state of undress,” underscoring the need for legal professionals to respect court decorum, whether appearing in person or online.
The barrister attempted to explain, attributing the mishap to technical delays. “I’ve been on the link for over an hour,” he said, suggesting that his trousers might have been an unintended casualty of waiting in his home environment. He added, “I apologise unreservedly.”
This unusual courtroom blunder has reignited debate over professionalism in virtual hearings, which have become commonplace since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of remote technology in British courts.
Recorder Taylor took the opportunity to remind legal professionals of their obligations: “The court must be respected at all times, and appearances must be made in the correct manner, regardless of format.” His comments underscore that remote appearances are not an excuse for lax standards, and that legal formality must remain intact, trousers and all.
The incident quickly became the subject of courtroom gossip and legal social media chatter, with some calling it a moment of comic relief, while others expressed concern over slipping standards among the Bar’s ranks.
Legal Cheek, which first broke the story, dubbed it a literal “dressing down”, and quipped that remote hearings may be “virtual in location, but not in expectations”.
While the barrister remains unnamed — perhaps mercifully — the event will likely serve as a cautionary tale to others in the profession. In an age where video calls blur the line between personal space and professional duty, this case starkly reminds practitioners that court rules don’t stop at the waist.
As the UK courts continue to balance the convenience of remote hearings with the integrity of legal process, one thing is now clear: showing up without trousers might be comfortable, but it’s also a fast track to judicial embarrassment.
