Christopher Tedleff John Sawyer

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

The respondent, a sole practitioner admitted in 1978, was convicted at Bristol Crown Court of conspiracy to defraud involving forged American Express travellers cheques worth £150,000 and sentenced to three years imprisonment. He also practised for over seven months in breach of a condition on his practising certificate and failed to pay Counsel's fees. He had a prior 1994 disciplinary finding for a dishonesty conviction, which had resulted in only a fine. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated, found dishonesty, and struck him off the Roll, ordering costs of £1,296.95.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• Hold a current practising certificate
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Previous disciplinary finding in 1994 for conviction involving dishonesty (obtaining property by deception)
• Custodial sentence of three years imprisonment
• Practised in breach of Practising Certificate condition for over seven months
• Brought dishonour upon the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Offence committed under pressure, not to fund a lavish lifestyle
• Guilty plea
• Ill-health
• Career in ruins