Mr Williams admitted Allegations 1.1 and 1.2 and admitted that his conduct breached Principles 2, 4 and 5 of the Principles and that he failed to comply with Paragraph 1.4 of the Code.

The purpose of the hearing was for the Tribunal to determine whether the admissions had been properly made and if so, to then consider mitigation, sanction and costs. The Tribunal considered whether the appropriate and proportionate sanction was to strike Mr Williams from the Roll of Solicitors as the case against him was admitted. The Tribunal decided that there were exceptional circumstances and that the appropriate and proportionate sanction was an immediate fixed term of suspension of two years. Following the period of suspension, the current restrictions placed on his practising certificate by the SRA would remain in place for a further two years.