Past disciplinary findings

On the 12th, 13th and 14th May 2003 a Disciplinary Tribunal of the Council of the Inns of Court (Chairman: His Honour Judge Fysh QC) sat to hear and determine four charges of professional misconduct against David Holland Esq. Mr Christopher Aylwin appeared on behalf of the Professional Conduct and Complaints Committee of the General Council of the Bar (PCCC). The Defendant was present but was not represented.

The Defendant was found guilty of the following Charges:

David Holland, between the 1St October 1999 and 30th July 2000, whilst a barrister in independent practice, provided legal services to claimants in a Chancery Division action relating to the estate of the late Robert Hawkins without being briefed or instructed by a professional client.

David Holland, between the 31st July 2000 and October 2000, whilst a barrister in independent practice, provided legal services to claimants in a Chancery Division action relating to the estate of the late Robert Hawkins without being briefed or instructed by a professional client.

David Holland, on or about the 3rd August 2000, engaged in conduct likely to diminish the public confidence in the legal profession or otherwise bring the legal profession into disrepute by attending the Wheatstone Hospice in Gloucester, identified himself as a barrister acting in a case relating to Robert Hawkins deceased and:

(i) questioned members of the staff about the case;

(ii) demanded sight of the deceased's medical records;

(iii) revealed details of the case to a member of staff;

David Holland, on or about the 25th May 2001, whilst a barrister in independent practice, and in the course of his practice, investigated evidence for use in court in connection with a Chancery Division action relating to the estate of the late Robert Hawkins by telephoning a Joan Bowles and asking questions relating to and/or in preparation for the trial of the action.