Nigel John Weller
Solicitor
111831

Decision - Prosecution

Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

Outcome date: 27 June 2024

Published date: 14 November 2024

Firm details

Firm or organisation at date of publication and at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Nigel Weller & Co

Address(es): The Offices, Bowen Farm, Park Lane, Laughton BN8 6BP

Firm ID: 075951

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Reasons/basis

This notification relates to a Decision to prosecute before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. This is an independent Tribunal which will reach its own decision after considering all the evidence, including any evidence put forward by the Solicitor. The Tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer in respect of allegations which are or include that, whilst working as a solicitor at Nigel Weller & Co :-

Between 04 January 2022 and 28 January 2022, while acting for clients in a criminal matter when Legal Aid Representation Orders were in place to cover their legal costs and expenses, Mr Weller requested and accepted cash payments in relation to his costs and expenses, contrary to Legal Aid Agency Regulations and despite Mr Weller being aware that the clients were subject to a Restraint Order with regard to their assets.

It is also alleged that he failed to promptly pay the payments into a client account and failed to carry out appropriate due diligence and source of funds checks when accepting the cash payments.

The allegations are subject to a Hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.