Alexander Anatol Nicholls

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

The respondent, a solicitor admitted in 1972, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 2 December 1994 of conspiracy to defraud Warner Home Video UK Ltd by dishonestly presenting counterfeit/forged cheques and obtaining proceeds of £417,125, and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. His appeal was dismissed. The Tribunal found the allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor substantiated, noting dishonesty and money laundering. The respondent did not appear. He had two prior appearances before the Tribunal, including a 1978 conviction resulting in a one-year suspension. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £725.00.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations

Aggravating factors:

• Serious criminal offence involving dishonesty (money laundering)
• Prior disciplinary history including 1978 conviction and one-year suspension
• Sentenced to 18 months imprisonment