David Allen Nichols

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

The respondent, a solicitor admitted in 1980, was convicted on indictment in December 1995 of handling a stolen excise licence (tax disc) and fraudulently altering it, and fined £1,000 and £250 respectively. Although the offences were at the lower end of seriousness and unconnected to his practice, and despite his continued protestations of innocence and pursuit of an appeal, the Tribunal found the allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor substantiated. Applying Bolton v Law Society, it ordered him struck off the Roll and to pay costs of £1,821.25, with filing suspended until 8 May 1998.

Duties found breached:

• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Offences involved dishonesty following conviction on indictment after trial

Mitigating factors:

• Offences at lower end of scale of seriousness
• Offences did not arise in the course of practice as a solicitor or involve clients
• Fully co-operative with the Law Society investigation
• Previously of good character and undergoing a domestic crisis at the time
• Sentencing judge's supportive letter and belief he would not re-offend
• Continuing to pursue potential fresh evidence for appeal