Kandiah Chelva-Nayagam

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

The Respondent, a solicitor admitted in 1990, admitted breaching Rule 1.06 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct 2007 following three criminal convictions: drink driving (Jan 2009) and two counts of indecent exposure (Jan 2009 and Sep 2009, the latter resulting in a suspended prison sentence and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order). The Tribunal found his conduct diminished public trust and fell below required standards of integrity, probity and trustworthiness. Although no dishonesty was found, given the seriousness of the convictions and it being his third appearance before the Tribunal, he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £850.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Third appearance before the Tribunal (two prior appearances in 2004 and 2007 for breaches of Solicitors' Accounts Rules)
• Very serious nature of the convictions, including two counts of indecent exposure

Mitigating factors:

• Convictions did not arise in the course of his work and did not impact clients or firm
• Difficult personal and financial circumstances - wife disabled with arthritis, financial hardship
• No dishonesty involved
• Willing to voluntarily surrender practising certificate