Robin Wyn Jones

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

The respondent, admitted in 1991, was convicted on his own confession at Snaresbrook Crown Court of four counts of falsely pretending to act under the authority of a Court, having forged a Decree Nisi and three Decrees Absolute. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment concurrent, reduced on appeal to six weeks concurrent. He admitted the allegation in writing and did not attend. The Tribunal found that, despite working under very great pressure, no pressure could excuse the forgery of important court documents, and ordered him struck off the Roll and to pay fixed costs of £890. The Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty.

Duties found breached:

• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• No improper communication with the court

Aggravating factors:

• Forgery of important court documents likely to be relied upon by others
• Conduct certain to bring the solicitors' profession into disrepute

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent had been subjected to overwhelming pressure at the time of the offences (noted by the Court of Appeal)
• Respondent admitted the allegation
• Respondent expressed sorrow, distress and apologised
• Respondent no longer held a Practising Certificate and had no immediate plans to return to the profession