Struck off...lawyer who broke nose of EastEnder’s father
Mr Saunders was given an 18-month suspended jail sentence by Inner London Crown Court in January last year after being found guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Mr Nelly told him: “You convicted for a criminal assault.
“We have reflected on that and the initial unhappy context – as an unwise engagement with Mr Ghadami about the subject of costs.
“We have considered carefully what the behaviour of Mr Saunders demonstrates, on that unhappy day, and we accept the submissions of both persons that a single act may constitute a lack of integrity.
“We are sorry to find that allegation proven, while fully understanding the explanation Mr Saunders has offered.
“We must not conflate mitigation with fact.”
CCTV footage showed property developer Mr Ghadami blocking Mr Saunders from passing him at the High Court during an exchange in April 2016, when they were on opposing sides in a land dispute.
When Mr Ghadami swung his case between Mr Saunders’ legs, he lunged forward and headbutted him, breaking his nose.
Mr Ghadami said the came “out of the blue”.
Both men attended the misconduct hearing at the disciplinary tribunal in central London.
Mr Saunders, of Maida Vale, northwest London, who has been a solicitor for more than 40 years, said he had were headbutting stopped practising the attack.
He admitted failing to uphold the law and failing to maintain public trust and confidence in the profession, but denied failing to act with integrity.
Mr Saunders was struck off the roll of solicitors and also ordered to pay £4,611 in costs. immediately after