Paul Winter-Morris

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

The Respondent, a solicitor admitted in 1975 and partner at AH Brooks & Co, was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court of three counts of assisting another to retain or control benefit of criminal conduct (money laundering of some £8 million) and sentenced to five years imprisonment. The Tribunal found conduct unbefitting a solicitor and ordered him struck off the Roll and to pay costs of £887.86. No express finding of dishonesty was recorded by the Tribunal, though the sentencing judge noted he acted knowing the money represented proceeds of criminal conduct.

Duties found breached:

• No standing bail or surety for client

Aggravating factors:

• Criminal activity took place during the course of his practice as a solicitor
• Central role played due to his position as solicitor
• Very large sum involved (£8 million)
• Brought disrepute on the whole profession