Colin Michael Arthur Bishop

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

The Respondent, a solicitor admitted in 1976, acted for client RG in two attempted sales of a property (HL) in or about February and June 2010 in breach of a Proceeds of Crime Act Restraint Order made on 3 September 2009. The Tribunal found, beyond reasonable doubt, that the Respondent had been informed of and faxed a copy of the Restraint Order on 24 November 2009 and yet proceeded to assist RG in attempting to dispose of the property. Applying the Twinsectra test, the Tribunal found his conduct dishonest by ordinary standards and that he knew it was dishonest, particularly given his denial of knowledge to the police when a copy of the Order was on his file. The Respondent did not appear and stated he had decided not to mount a defence. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £15,000 (reduced from the £21,967.17 claimed), not to be enforced without leave of the Tribunal.

Duties found breached:

• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• No acting against a former client
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent had previously appeared before the Tribunal on 17 May 2011
• Conduct assisted a client to benefit from the proceeds of crime
• Respondent denied knowledge of the Restraint Order to DC Vigor when a copy was on his file, attempting to conceal his breach