The Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 1994

(i)30.  In proceedings before the Tribunal which involve the decision of another court or tribunal, the following rules of evidence shall apply provided that it is proved in each case that the decision relates to the relevant party to the Application.

(a)conviction of a criminal offence may be proved by producing a certified copy of the certificate of conviction relating to the offence; proof of a conviction shall constitute prima facie evidence that the relevant party to the Application was guilty of the offence the subject thereof.

(b)the finding and sentence of any tribunal in or outside England and Wales exercising a professional disciplinary jurisdiction may be proved by producing a certified copy of the finding and sentence.

(c)the judgment of any civil court may be proved by producing a certified copy of the judgment.

(ii)In any case set out in paragraph (i) of this Rule, the findings of fact by the court or tribunal upon which the conviction, finding, sentence or judgment is based shall be admissible as prima facie proof of those facts.

(iii)At the discretion of the Tribunal the strict rules of evidence shall not apply at any hearing before the Tribunal.