John Robert Cank

• Application 10348-2009
• Admitted 2000
• Hearing 11 March 2010
• Reasons 13 May 2010

The SDT ordered that the respondent, of Darwen, Lancashire BB3, should be suspended from practice as a solicitor for an indefinite period to commence on 11 March 2010.

Contrary to rule 1.06 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct 2007, the respondent had behaved in a way that was likely to diminish the trust of the public in him and in the reputation of the solicitors’ profession, following his conviction on 6 June 2008 at Burnley Crown Court of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The respondent was a relatively young man. It appeared he had not practised for some time and was living on benefits. He had a good record with the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The offence did not arise from his practice as a solicitor. The impact of his conviction of such an offence would be on the reputation of the profession. It could be seen from the judge’s sentencing remarks that he had taken a serious view and that it had not been the first time that the respondent had been involved in such an assault, as he had received a previous police caution.

The SDT had given the matter anxious and careful consideration and in view of the facts surrounding the allegation, and the respondent’s apparent state of mind as indicated by the documents produced by the applicant, it had decided that the respondent should be suspended from practice indefinitely.

The respondent was ordered to pay costs of £1,550, such order not to be enforced without the consent of the SDT.