Alexander Anatol Nicholls

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

The respondent, admitted in 1972, was convicted on 2 December 1994 at Snaresbrook Crown Court of conspiracy to defraud Warner Home Video UK Limited by dishonestly presenting two counterfeit/forged cheques (£417,125 and £834,250) and obtaining proceeds of £417,125. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment; his appeal was dismissed on 12 October 1995. The Tribunal found the allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor substantiated, noting the conviction involved dishonesty and was connected with money laundering. He had a prior 1978 one-year suspension. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £725 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations

Aggravating factors:

• Previous disciplinary history - 1978 suspension for a criminal conviction relating to a hire purchase agreement
• Offence connected with money laundering, seriously damaging the profession's reputation
• Sentenced to 18 months imprisonment