Lennox Andrew Manifold

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

The Respondent, a former solicitor (removed from the Roll in June 2009), was convicted on 18 December 2009 at Bristol Crown Court of 14 counts of conspiracy to obtain property by deception relating to falsely countersigning passport applications, and was sentenced to 54 months' imprisonment, reduced to 36 months on appeal (conviction appeal dismissed). The Tribunal found, so that it was sure, that the dishonesty convictions breached Rule 1.06 SCC 2007 and diminished public trust. As he was no longer on the Roll, the only available sanction was an order prohibiting restoration except by Order of the Tribunal, which was made. He was ordered to pay agreed costs of £1,500.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Offences were deliberate, calculated and persistent, lasting over five years (Jan 2001 to Aug 2006)
• Offences committed while on the Roll of Solicitors
• Convicted of dishonesty offences and sentenced to a significant period of imprisonment (36 months following appeal)

Mitigating factors:

• Maintained innocence and was pursuing referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission
• No suggestion of financial gain from the offences
• Left his firm voluntarily to protect colleagues and the firm
• Suffered acute depression since 2007/2008
• Used time in prison productively, assisting inmates and given positions of responsibility, no reprimands