A Windsor solicitor and former African High Court

A Windsor solicitor and former African High Court judge who was banned from practising law lost his appeal to work in the profession again today.

(Tues)

Omrie Michael Golley, previously a senior member of the judiciary in Sierra Leone, was suspended indefinitely two years ago by a Solicitor’s Disciplinary Tribunal in London.

The 74-year-old received his ban after being found guilty of failing to supervise staff at his law firm, based in Dedworth Drive, Windsor.

They also found that Golley had also breached professional obligations and not paid barristers fees.

But Golley, representing himself, told the hearing today he wanted another chance to practice law.

Commenting on his social standing in the community, Golley explained his appearance at the Tribunal was prior to returning for a state visit from the King of Jordan in Windsor later today.

But he said: ‘I feel like I am someone who has been in prison, who is asking for parole after serving their time.

‘

‘I was suspended indefinitely from practising the only profession I know and love.

‘It is my profound wish to serve all members of the public locally and internationally who recognise my distinguished services especially in areas other than private practice.

‘

Golley, who had practised law for nearly 40 years prior to his suspension, pleaded with the tribunal to ‘remove the scourge and blemish on my character and respectability and clear my name.

‘

‘I have not done anything grave.

I held highly distinguished offices for 45 years.

‘

But Geoffrey Williams, for the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors, said Mr Golley’s appeal to determine his suspension was opposed.

‘The public perception is critical,’ Mr Williams said.

He explained that the indefinite ban was imposed on the lawyer in August 1999.

‘There were breaches of undertaking given to three separate firms of solicitors all of which related to financial obligations.

‘

‘Two of the undertakings resulted in court proceedings being issued against Mr Golley in public courts.

‘

Mr Williams added: ‘There was a failure to pay three different barristers and in the course of that matter a cheque for fees was dishonoured.

‘All that is serious misconduct and it is my submission that the tribunal in August 1999 was not being cruel to Mr Golley but was being kind in recognition of his past services.

‘

Panel chairman Mr Anthony Gibson told Mr Golley the Tribunal rejected his application.

‘The findings against you are by our standards serious allegations,’ he said.

‘We have received nothing today, no new evidence that those undertakings have been complied with or indeed that counsel’s fees have been paid.

‘Although we have sympathy for your application, this tribunal dismisses your application.

‘

Golley replied: ‘I will come again’ and queried the decision asking: ‘How much longer must I wait.

Till Doomsday?’

Mr Golley was ordered to pay costs which will be assessed and agreed at a later date.

ends

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