GALLACHER:SOLICITOR SUSPENDED FOR ‘CAVALIER’ BEHAVIOUR IN ENERGY PILLS FIRM
A solicitor was suspended today (tues) after he was found guilty of ‘cavalier and reckless’ behaviour in his energy pills business.
John Gallacher (corr), 56, operated a company on the Isle of Man which imported Gurana capsules, the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal heard.
The fruit of the plant is said to be a stimulant like caffeine.
Gallacher was rejected as director of the company Alliance IOM, but claimed he held the post when trying to buy the extract.
His business relationship with a partner ended and Gallacher wrongly withdrew £1,738 from the Alliance account.
Gallacher later admitted the money ‘went to myself.’
His Honour The Deemster Doyle, sitting at the High Court of Justice on the island found ‘his conduct demonstrates a lack of commercial probity and/or was, if not dishonest, reckless or cavalier as to the obligations he had as signatory to the Alliance account.
‘His conduct in respect of these matters reveal an individual who appears content to help himself to the funds of a company of which he is a director for his own personal benefit without proper authorisation.’
Gallacher, who was then living on at Old Castletown Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, had delayed the hearing citing alcohol and health problems.
He admitted his failings on the grounds of ill health but was barred him from being a director for seven years.
The judge added: ‘Frankly Mr Gallacher should have known better and should have conducted himself with due regard to the law but he did not.
‘Even now Mr Gallacher is burying his head in the sand and refusing to accept the full extent of his serious misconduct.’
The Solicitors’ Regulation Authority accused Gallacher of acting in a manner contrary to his position as a solicitor and conducted himself in his business activities in a manner which is likely to bring the profession into disrepute
The allegations were found proved.
Gallacher, of First Avenue, Bath, did not attend the hearing and in a series of emails explained he is travelling in Asia and will not be back in the UK for at least a year.
Chairman Keith Duncan suspended Gallacher from the profession for three years without comment.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £6,500.
ends
