A former secretary with a law firm convicted of being involved with a 'county lines' drug ring has been barred from the profession. Georgia Burns was employed by Stockport firm Harvey Roberts Solicitors when she was convicted at Bolton Crown Court in August 2022 of the supply of class A drugs.

Burns was sentenced last May to 24 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Her conviction followed a year-long police investigation into a county lines drug supply operation. Burns had driven the co-accused to facilitate his drug dealing on at least four occasions and on at least two occasions she transported a minor to deal drugs. She was found to be fully aware of the group’s involvement in supplying drugs.

It was reported at the time of her sentencing that Burns, 22, had repeatedly driven her then boyfriend Jamie Upton to Hull as part of the operation to supply crack and heroin. He was jailed for nine years and three months for his involvement.

Bolton Crown Court

Burns was convicted at Bolton Crown Court in August 2022

Source: Alamy

The judge had told Burns: ‘You were fully aware of Upton’s involvement but I am prepared to accept you were in an unhealthy relationship with him in which you felt some degree of coercive control. You have escaped jail by the skin of your teeth.’

The Solicitors Regulation Authority said Burns had knowingly committed a criminal offence and as such it was undesirable to allow her to work in the legal profession.

Employed in her firm’s personal injury department, her responsibilities had included preparing files of confidential and sensitive client information for court hearings and replying to client contacts and correspondence. She had previously worked in other legal roles before joining the firm.

The SRA said in her position she would be expected to act with integrity and in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the safe delivery of those legal services.

She was given a section 43 order preventing her working for any regulated firm and ordered to pay £300 costs.