A BRADFORD solicitor has been sanctioned by a legal watchdog following a conviction for drink driving.

The details were released in a recent notice published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

It states that on July 12 last year, Naheem Khaliq, of Leopold Wise Solicitors Limited, on Peckover Street, Little Germany, pleaded guilty and was convicted of an offence of driving while his alcohol level was above the legal limit.

The SRA notice says he was disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 12 months, the period for which would be reduced by 12 weeks upon completion of a drink driving awareness course.

He was also fined £180, must pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £34.

It states: “Mr Khaliq promptly notified the SRA of his conduct and conviction.

“Mr Khaliq admits, and the SRA accepts, that by virtue of his conduct and conviction, he failed to behave in a way which maintains the trust the public places in him and in the provision of legal services in breach of Principle 2 of the SRA Principles 2019.”

A rebuke was deemed to be appropriate outcome in this case.

The SRA says: “We will rebuke a regulated person when there has been significant misconduct, or a series of incidents which are cumulatively significant. A rebuke will be appropriate when the misconduct has caused, or had the potential to cause, significant impact.”

The notice said: “When considering the appropriate sanctions and controls in this matter, the SRA has taken into account the admissions made by Mr Khaliq and the following mitigation which he has put forward: this is an isolated incident, and he has no previous convictions; he has shown insight into and expressed remorse for his behaviour; he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and cooperated fully with the police; he promptly reported his conviction to the SRA and has cooperated fully with the investigation.

“The SRA and Mr Khaliq consider that a rebuke is the appropriate outcome because there was a disregard to the risk or potential risk of harm and his conduct might have resulted in serious injury and/or damage.

“A public sanction is required to uphold confidence in the delivery of legal services. Any lesser sanction would not provide a credible deterrent to Mr Khaliq and others.”

He agreed to the publication of the agreement and to pay the £300 cost of the SRA investigation, which is due within 28 days.