LUKE MCLEAN, a pupil barrister tweeted that he was mistaken for a defendant in the magistrates court by the list caller.

The incident has been widely criticised online.

Garden Court Chambers, where McLean is a pupil said they stood in solidarity with their pupil, and his bravery in calling out a racist incident.

It’s not the first time that a young, Black barrister’s experience of racism has gone viral.

Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has told The Voice that race awareness training will now be extended to all employees, as part of their mandatory training package.

Alexandra Wilson, another Black barrister, was mistaken for a defendant three times in just one day.

The young barrister was disappointed that the problem is still ongoing.

She said: “Why hasn’t every single employee been briefed that all they need to do is ask how they can help?

“Honestly if it takes cue cards spelling out how to address court users then so be it. This is ridiculous.”

In Wilson’s case, a security officer asked her name while looking through a list of defendants. When she explained that she was a barrister, he apologised and guided her through security.

Next, a member of the public told her not to enter the courtroom, because it was only for lawyers.

However, when she entered, both a solicitor and a clerk told her to leave.

Though both barristers in these cases were young and Black, others have discussed how being mistaken for defendants is a regular occurrence for their friends and colleagues in the legal profession.

It raises questions about whether anti-racism initiatives go far enough.

HM Courts and Tribunals are already developing a Race Action Plan.

A HM Courts and Tribunals spokesperson said: “We are deeply sorry for Mr McLean’s unacceptable experience, and remain completely committed to playing our part in tackling discrimination.

“We know there is more to do – open forums are already being held to improve our understanding of the challenges minority ethnic colleagues face and race awareness training is being extended for all staff.”