Selwyn Kennedy Noel

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

Selwyn Kennedy Noel, a sole practitioner admitted in 1984, faced multiple allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor. The Tribunal found proved breaches including breach of undertaking, offensive/derogatory correspondence, acting with a conflict of interest, disclosing confidential Children Act documents to the Bar Council without leave, accounts rules breaches, non-payment of the assigned risks pool premium, and practising in breach of a practising certificate condition. Allegation 11 (failure to maintain insurance) was found not substantiated due to conflict with the premium allegation, Allegation 1 was subsumed, and Allegation 9 was withdrawn. No dishonesty was alleged or found. Given the cumulative seriousness, the Respondent's failure to appreciate his failings, and a previous 2000 suspension, the Tribunal suspended him indefinitely and ordered costs subject to detailed assessment.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No improper communication with the court
• Personal probity and fitness to practise
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Number of allegations substantiated
• Failure to recognise his failings and lack of admissions despite strong evidence
• Lack of appreciation of the seriousness of the matters
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal in May 2000 (six-month suspension for misleading the Court of Appeal)
• Respondent represented a danger to the public if allowed to continue in practice

Mitigating factors:

• Long career in the legal profession of over 30 years
• Poor health
• Financial difficulties
• Small amounts involved in accounts breaches (£91 shortage described as innocent error)

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]