James Vernon Colhoun

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

The Respondent, a solicitor and senior partner admitted in 1966, was convicted at Leicester Crown Court on 23 March 2007 of perverting the course of justice (relating to the alleged backdating of a statutory declaration) and sentenced to nine months' imprisonment. He admitted and accepted the allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor. The Tribunal found he had fallen far below the standards of the profession and brought it into disrepute. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £499. The Tribunal itself made no express finding of dishonesty, though the Applicant characterised the offence as involving dishonesty.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage

Aggravating factors:

• Conviction for a serious criminal offence (perverting the course of justice)
• Custodial sentence of nine months imposed
• Long and estimable service to the profession meaning he knew the seriousness of his conduct
• Damage to reputation of the profession in the eyes of clients and the public

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted and accepted the allegation
• Cooperated throughout and offered to remove his name voluntarily from the Roll
• Did not challenge the costs
• Had retired from practice