Keith Alan Shaw

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

The Respondent, a solicitor admitted in 2006, pleaded guilty on 13 November 2017 and was convicted of one count of fraud by false misrepresentation (Fraud Act 2006) and five counts of making false instruments (Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981). The SRA and Respondent submitted an Agreed Outcome that he be struck off the Roll, which the Tribunal approved on the papers. The Respondent applied for no publicity of the proceedings, relying on GP medical evidence that publication could trigger a relapse of his medical condition. The Tribunal, applying the open justice principle and SRA v Spector, refused the application, finding it in the public interest to publish both the Order and Judgment, though it allowed a 14-day delay before publication. The Tribunal repeatedly characterised the offences as involving dishonesty.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct involved a criminal conviction for fraud and forgery
• Conduct took place during the course of his practice as a solicitor and was relevant to his position of trust
• Multiple offences involving dishonesty

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent did not contest removal from the Roll and agreed to be struck off
• Respondent suffered from a medical condition as a consequence of his wrongdoing
• Respondent had not practised for two years and did not intend to practise again