Bance, Anil - 031843

The Panel of Adjudicators Sub-Committee was satisfied that:

1. there was reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Mr Bance and Mr Cheema;

2. Mr Bance and Mr Cheema had failed to comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules 1998; and

3. it was necessary to exercise the intervention powers to protect the interests of clients (or former clients) of Mr Bance and Mr Cheema.

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 Mr Bance :-

• 1. Withdrew money from Client Account in breach of Rule 22 of the Solicitors Accounts Rules 1998.
• 2. Failed to keep accounting records properly written up at all times.
• 3. Failed to carry out reconciliations of the client accounts
• 4. Failed to act with integrity
• 5. Failed to act in the best interests of his client.
• 6. Failed to fulfil undertakings.
• 7. Acted in circumstances where there existed a conflict between his interests and those of his client.

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