Decision record
Alun Jones
Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision
Robert Alun Jones QC faced three charges of professional misconduct relating to allegations of fraud/dishonesty made against a solicitor (Mr Dougans) and his client concerning a bill of costs in judicial review proceedings, and to disclosing without prejudice correspondence. The BSB had to prove to the criminal standard that no reasonable barrister in the Respondent's position could have concluded there was an arguable case of fraud. Although the Tribunal considered there was not sufficient material to establish an arguable case of fraud (failing the first hurdle), it could not be satisfied to the criminal standard that no reasonable barrister could have concluded there was such a case. Accordingly Charge 1 was not proved, and Charges 2 and 3 fell away. The Tribunal found no reason to doubt the Respondent's integrity, noting his unblemished 48-year career. All charges dismissed.
⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]
Panel
Mr Jonathan Holl-Allen KC (Chair); Ms Tracy Stephenson; Mr Darren Snow
Duties engaged
- Overriding duty to the court
- No abuse of process or coercive powers
- Proper basis for allegations
- No improper questioning of witnesses
- No personal opinion or familiarity with court
- No tampering with or coaching witnesses
- No payments to witnesses on evidence
- Comply with and respect court orders
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Not mislead third parties or opponents
- Fair dealing with unrepresented parties
- Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
- Serve justice and improve the law
Documents
Source: https://www.tbtas.org.uk/hearings/findings-and-sentences-of-past-hearings/