Date
12 October 2015

Allegations:

Allegation 1
On 16 September 2013 at Liverpool Crown Court Martin Hick was convicted upon his own confession to the offence of theft from another person contrary to Section 1(1) of the Theft Act 1968. He was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment. He therefore, failed to uphold the rule of law and the impartial administration of justice contrary to Principle 1 of the CILEx Code of Conduct 2010.

Allegation 2
On 2 February 2015, a Section 43 Order was made against Mr. Hick pursuant to The Solicitors Act 1974. In making the Section 43 order, the SRA found that as a consequence of Mr. Hick’s conviction of theft in the Liverpool Crown Court on 16 September 2013, it would be undesirable for him to be involved in a legal practice. He, therefore, failed to maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct contrary to Principle 2 of the CILEx Code of Conduct 2015.

Outcome
Martin Hick admitted the misconduct, and a Determination by Consent was agreed between CILEx Regulation and Mr. Hick.

Sanction – Indefinite exclusion
Martin Hick was indefinitely excluded and a reapplication for CILEx membership will not be considered before 10 years.