A Winckworth Sherwood partner who groped women at the firm's Christmas party last year has been publicly rebuked by the SRA and fined £600.

While "intoxicated" at the 9 December bash held at Southbank restaurant Skylon, corporate partner John Burnand "behaved in an inappropriate, physical manner toward several of the firm's staff", said the SRA. Colleagues intervened to stop his out-of-control groping and escorted him from the building. 

Although no-one raised a formal grievance, Winckworth Sherwood commenced an investigation into the partners's antics. Within the week Burnand posted an apology on the firm's intranet in which he blamed his woeful behaviour on a boozy business development event held before the party. Admitting, "[I] had drunk more than I should on the day", he said, "I hope that it did not spoil what I believe was otherwise a very good evening".

"But other than that, Mrs Lincoln, how was the play?"

Burnand's statement went on to offer personal apologies to anyone who wanted one (probably not a huge take-up in the circumstances) and promised, "I know that this is not acceptable behaviour and must never happen again. You may rest assured that it never will". As far as Winckworth is concerned he was as good as his word, because he quit the firm that week.

The SRA ruled that Burnand's behaviour was reckless and not trivial or inadvertent, breaching rule 3.1 of the SRA Disciplinary Rules 2011. But it took into account his apology, resignation, clean record and cooperation, and instead of more serious sanctions opted to punish him with the SRA equivalent of a nude walk through the city: agreement to the publication of a public rebuke.

A spokeswoman for Winckworth Sherwood said, “This matter was fully investigated by Winckworth Sherwood at the time and subsequently by the SRA. We now consider the matter closed and as such have no further comment”.