Leslie Humes

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

Leslie Humes, a solicitor admitted in 1988 and partner at Hickmotts, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his wife and was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court on 24 July 2002, receiving a seven-year prison sentence. The OSS brought an allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor based on the conviction. The Respondent admitted the allegation in correspondence and expressed a wish to be struck off as quickly as possible; he did not appear at the hearing. The Tribunal found the allegation substantiated, noted the seriousness of the offence and the absence of any appeal, and struck him off the Roll, ordering payment of agreed costs of £688.40.

Duties found breached:

• No unlawful discrimination or harassment

Aggravating factors:

• Conviction for a very serious offence (manslaughter)
• Seven-year prison sentence
• The attack took place and was sustained in the presence of his children

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegation
• Expressed sorrow for his actions
• Did not contest the matter and asked to be struck off promptly