Soich ‘does not have permit to practise’

Press, 26 February 1980, Page 2

Soich ‘does not have permit to practise’

PA Wellington ' The Auckland Law Society has told British' authorities that Karen Soich, an Aucklander charged in England with drugs conspiracy, has never held a certificate to practise as a barrister. Because. she has never practised it cannot be stated accurately that she is “highly thought of in her profession,” according to the society.. Soich’s counsel used that,

phrase when she appeared t with other defendants at a t remand hearing on February < 15 in Chorley, Lancashire. i The charges arose out of < the murder of the alleged i drugs ring boss, Christopher ' Martin Johnstone, whose i mutilated body was found in a Lancashire quarry last t year. i In a letter sent last week s to the Director of Public i Prosecutions in London, the I Auckland Law Society’s t executive, director (Mr G. <

Wear) noted that reports of the February 15 hearing had described Soich as “an Auckland barrister” and quoted her counsel as saying in Court that Soich was “highly thought of in her profession.” “I am sure you will understand my society’s concern for accuracy in this respect and trust that tire Crown will have the opportunity, at j an appropriate time to set the record straight,” Mr Wear said.