SDT strikes off two Wolstenholmes solicitors

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has struck off two solicitors who worked at former Stockport firm Wolstenholmes.

The SRA intervened in Wolstenholmes on Christmas Eve 2009, in what turned out to be the biggest intervention of the year. The regulator later forwarded £3m to DWF to help it complete conveyancing transactions following the collapse.

In a statement, the SRA said Imran Hussain, the firm's managing partner, was struck off last week and ordered to pay costs of £137,200 for a range of allegations including dishonesty and 'acting with a lack of integrity'.

According to SRA records, Hussain's PC lapsed before the SDT hearing and he should not be confused with any solicitor of the same name currently practising.

Asma Qayum, a solicitor at Wolstenholmes, was struck off for allegations including 'acting with a lack of integrity' and ordered to pay costs of £91,900.

Three other solicitors who worked at the firm were suspended. Helen Murgatroyd was suspended for two years and ordered to pay costs of £34,900.

Bilal Khawaja was suspended for a year and must pay costs of £53,100. According to the Law Society database he has been working as an assistant in Stockport personal injury firm Clarity Solicitors.

Bobby Naghman Shabbi, was suspended for six months with costs of £34,900, not to be enforced without leave of the tribunal. He is listed on the society's database as an assistant at general practice Tahir Solicitors in Manchester

On expiry of their suspensions, the SRA said Murgatroyd, Khawaja and Shabbir would not be able to practise as sole practitioners or as partners, members or managers in an LLP, LDP, or ABS and could only work as solicitors in employment approved by the SRA.

The SRA welcomed the decisions of the SDT. The respondents have a month from publication of the ruling to appeal.

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