On 29 January 2003 the Legal Services Division of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal found John Henry Bryson guilty of professional misconduct within the meaning of sec 127(1)(b) of the Legal Profession Act 1987 in that:

(a) on 3 November 1999, John Henry Bryson possessed a loaded firearm in a public place;
(b) on 3 November 1999, in the same place John Henry Bryson possessed a pistol not being authorised to do so by a licence or permit; and
(c) at the same place at the same time, John Henry Bryson handled a firearm whilst he was under the influence of alcohol.

The Tribunal made the following orders:

1. that John Henry Bryson be publicly reprimanded.
2. that John Henry Bryson be fined the sum of $10,000.
3. that John Henry Bryson undertake and complete a course of further legal education by practising under the supervision of a barrister of at least seven years’ standing approved by the Bar Association for the period of 12 months, such supervising barrister being requested to report to the Bar Association as to the ability of John Henry Bryson to practice at the end of three months, six months and 12 months. The supervising barrister to be given a copy of the Tribunal’s reasons.

On 14 July 2003 the Tribunal ordered John Henry Bryson to pay the Bar Association's costs of the Tribunal proceedings.

John Henry Bryson appealed the Tribunal's decision of 29 January 2003.

On 23 July 2003 the Appeal Panel ordered that order 3 above be set aside and otherwise affirmed the findings and orders made by the Tribunal on 29 January 2003. The Appeal Panel ordered John Henry Bryson pay the Bar Association’s costs of the appeal.

John Henry Bryson has not been the holder of a practising certificate as a barrister in New South Wales since 1 July 2000.