Michael Rowan

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Michael Anthony Rowan, called to the Bar in November 1992, faced four charges before a Disciplinary Tribunal, all found proven. The charges arose from his conviction at the Crown Court for fraud by false representation committed between 4 September and 1 October while providing legal services as an employed barrister, breaching Core Duty 3. The Tribunal relied on the certificate of conviction as conclusive proof. The hearing proceeded in his absence (he was ill) and on the basis the charges were not accepted. No exceptional circumstances were found that would avoid the usual sanction. For charges 1-3 the Panel decided suspension was appropriate rather than disbarment, noting his previous good character, co-operation, and the limited duration of offending. No sanction was imposed for charge 4. Costs of £1,200 were claimed by the BSB.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Person of previous good character as reflected in the Crown Court judge's sentencing remarks
• Co-operated with the regulator
• Offending was of limited duration