Barrister John Punch of Queensland, AUS; lying loser

The Law Society of New South Wales presented John Patrick Punch with a law license in 1984.

The Administrative Decisions Tribunal found Johnny guilty of the following misconduct, all of which took place while he was representing a defendant in a major drug smuggling case.

In one matter, Johnny absolutely knew that his client was guilty, but allowed him and others to lie (give perjured testimony) in court.

Johnny was representing a man accused of participating in an armed robbery at a Roselands home. During the trial the man, Tony Haddad, gave evidence he had never been to the house. Subsequently, the jury acquitted Mr. Haddad.

Unfortunately for Haddad and Johnny, the police had a conversation in which Haddad told Johnny he had been in the back room during the robbery.” Johnny responded by saying, “You were out the back, but you’re still guilty, you know, if they can prove that.”

The Decisions Tribunal said in its ruling that Johnny knew that the alibi evidence from five witnesses was false. Under ethical standards, it a client tells his/her barrister they are guilty, but want to plead guilty, the lawyer:

• “Must not suggest in court someone else committed the crime”
• “Must not set up a case inconsistent with the private confession”

Because Attorney Misfits in Australia are held to a much lower standard of conduct then everyone else, Johnny was never criminally charged with subornation of perjury or obstruction of justice.

As a consequence of his misconduct, the cheerleaders for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Disciplinary Tribunal punished Johnny by gifting him with a complimentary censure.

As we speak (ca. March 2016), Johnny practices at 124 Amalfi Drive, Isle of Capri, Queensland, Australia.