Alun Jones
Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision
The Respondent, a QC, faced three charges of professional misconduct (contrary to Core Duty 1, rC9.2 and/or rC7.3) arising from his conduct in pursuing allegations of fraud/dishonesty against a solicitor's firm and his reliance on a without prejudice offer in judicial review costs proceedings before the Administrative Court. The BSB alleged he lacked credible material to establish an arguable case of fraud or reasonable grounds for the dishonesty allegation. After a 6-day hearing, the Tribunal found that the allegation of fraud was not made on a whim and that the Respondent had sufficient grounds; it concluded there was no case to answer / found the Respondent not guilty. All three charges were dismissed. No finding of dishonesty or lack of integrity was made against the Respondent.
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/