Ashley Simon Hurst

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

Mr Hurst, a solicitor at Osborne Clarke, sent an email (16 July 2022) and letter (19 July 2022) to tax commentator Dan Neidle regarding Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs, marked 'without prejudice'/'confidential' and restricting publication. The SRA alleged he improperly attempted to restrict Neidle's right to publish. The Tribunal originally found allegation 1.1 (the email) proved, holding he misused the WP label to suppress publication and made an implicit threat, breaching Code paras 1.2, 1.4, 2.4 and Principles 2 and 5; it found allegation 1.2 (the letter) not proved as it was only a request. No dishonesty was ever alleged or found. It fined him £50,000 (top of Fine Band 4) and ordered £260,000 costs. However, on his section 49 appeal, the High Court allowed the appeal, and by consent order dated 5 February 2026 the Tribunal's decision was set aside and the allegation dismissed. There is no finding against Mr Hurst and the fine and costs orders no longer stand.