A Wellington employment lawyer who failed to disclose previous convictions when applying for admission to the bar has been struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors.
In his application in 2001, Shadrach Mitchell said he had no convictions, but had been dealt with by the police diversion scheme for first offenders after being arrested for obstruction of police.
He actually had 39 convictions between 1989 and 1994 for offences including theft and assaulting a constable, and had served three prison terms.
The Court of Appeal has found that Mr Mitchell repeatedly concealed his convictions and therefore is not a fit and proper person to be a lawyer.
However, it said he may be able to be restored to the roll at a future date.
