Sunil Mehra

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

The Respondent, a solicitor admitted in 1996 practising as Mehra & Co, was convicted in 2006 of conspiracy to obtain money transfers by deception for submitting fraudulent interpreting claims to the Legal Services Commission, obtaining £24,386. He was sentenced to 52 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to pay £12,193 compensation. The Tribunal found the allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor substantiated and expressly found dishonesty, aggravated by the fact it occurred during practice and defrauded the Legal Aid Fund. The Respondent did not appear (substituted service via Law Society Gazette) and had left the country. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £855.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty undertaken during the course of his practice as a solicitor
• Fraudulent claims made upon the Legal Aid Fund (public monies)
• Respondent appears to have left the country

Mitigating factors:

• Convicted upon his own confession / guilty plea
• Previous good character
• Influence/pressure from co-defendant (Mr Sagar)