Warner, Goodman & Streat partner fired over fabricated defence
Lancaster will be challenging his expulsion by WS&G 
David Lancaster a former stipendary magistrate and defence lawyer has been expelled as a partner for helping an undercover BBC reporter posing as a cocaine dealer. Lancaster 54 showed the 'cocaine dealer' how to persuade a witness not to give evidence against him, as well as providing various explanations for why fingerprints may be found on bank notes and cocaine wrapping. Lancaster's former firm have referred the matter to the Law Society for a 'clear breach of his duties as a solicitor and officer of the court'.
Lancaster claimed he was 'exploring every possible option' with the Inside Out reporter. The programme aired last night on BBC 1.
posted by Wanderlust @ 3:33 PM
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2 Comments:
Havent seen the programme myself, but i assume he didnt know he was an undercover reporter right? so surely someone convincing a witness to not give evidence is perverting the cause of justice, and must surely involve bullying or inducements. So is he being kicked out the law society? Thats bringing the profession into disrepute, and not acting in a professional manner, which im sure go against the Society principles, if its anything like the British Computer Society.
Steven,
when commenting on the allegations Judge Robert Pryor said the same, that it could amount to perverting the course of justice and attempting to do so. The Law Society haven't made their decision yet to exlcude him, however on the facts presented as they do it doesn't look as though they'd have much choice.
Still, I wouldn't mind a look at the whole unedited footage of the interview - you can never be too sure with journalists, although they've produced some good work recently with the Nigerians in the postal service, and the racism in the BNP.
If you click on the orange title it'll take you too the Inside Out home page, you should read the comments posted by readers, it seems as though Lancaster wasn't too liked by some of his peers. Makes you wonder, was the reporter tipped off?
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