Neil Cloutman

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

Neil Cloutman, a solicitor, was convicted on 19 April 2007 of two counts of making a false instrument, including backdating a Trust Deed, and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years. The Tribunal found the uncontested allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor substantiated. He did not appear or offer mitigation. The Tribunal ordered him struck off the Roll to uphold the profession's reputation and protect the public, and ordered costs of £2,300 inclusive of VAT. No express finding of dishonesty was made by the Tribunal itself, though the sentencing judge referenced assisting dishonest individuals.

Duties found breached:

• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience

Aggravating factors:

• Criminal conviction resulting in a custodial (suspended) sentence
• Backdating of a Trust Deed created in 2004 but purporting to be signed in February 2002
• Judge's remarks that the solicitor assisted dishonest individuals in furtherance of criminal activities

Mitigating factors:

• No record of previous disciplinary matters