Solicitor restored to the Roll of Solicitors

Solicitors – application by solicitor to be restored to the Roll of Solicitors – solicitor relied on provision that has been superseded – whether solicitor is a fit and proper person to practise as a solicitor – whether restoration would adversely affect public confidence in the solicitors’ profession as a whole or in the administration of justice - solicitors are regularly entrusted with the custody of monies – circumstances which gave rise to the order striking him off the Roll of Solicitor - forged documents purporting to be health insurance claims – prosecuted – judicial review proceedings delayed matters - complained to the European Court of Human Rights – eventually pleaded guilty - served term of imprisonment – struck off two years ago - after wrongdoing conducted his practice with complete propriety - Law Society view – discretion of High Court - satisfied that he is a fit and proper person to practise as a solicitor - restoration to the Roll would not adversely affect public confidence in the solicitors’ profession as a whole or in the administration of justice – disproportionate and unnecessary to impose conditions – solicitor restored to Roll of Solicitors.