Selwyn Kennedy Noel

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

Selwyn Kennedy Noel, a sole practitioner, faced multiple allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor. The Tribunal found proved breach of an undertaking, offensive/derogatory correspondence, acting in conflict of interest, unauthorised disclosure of confidential Children Act court documents, two Accounts Rules breaches (a modest £91 shortage), failure to pay the Assigned Risks Pool premium, and practising in breach of a Practising Certificate condition. Allegation 11 (no insurance) and the general Rule 1 allegation were not substantiated; Allegation 9 had been withdrawn. No dishonesty was alleged or found. Given the cumulative seriousness, the Respondent's lack of insight, his prior six-month suspension, and the need to protect the public and the profession's reputation, the Tribunal suspended him from practice indefinitely from 1 July 2003 and ordered him to pay costs subject to detailed assessment unless agreed.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Full disclosure on ex parte applications
• No acting against a former client
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Number of allegations substantiated
• Respondent unable to recognise his failings and made no admissions despite strong evidence
• Lack of appreciation of seriousness
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal in May 2000 resulting in six-month suspension for misleading the Court of Appeal
• Respondent represented a danger to the public if allowed to continue in practice

Mitigating factors:

• Long legal career of over 30 years
• Poor health
• Financial difficulties
• No allegation of dishonesty

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]