Jersey-based lawyer Daniel Robert Healy has been censured and fined $8,000 by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal.

Mr Healy, who holds a practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society, admitted one charge of being convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment with the conviction tending to bring his profession into disrepute.

The conviction was entered at the Royal Court of Jersey after Mr Healy pleaded guilty to a charge of grave and criminal assault. He was sentenced to 180 hours of community serv ice, ordered to pay compensation to the victim of £5,000, and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.

The Tribunal said the assault was serious as Mr Healy had a glass in his hand when he struck the victim, who suffered quite serious injuries. However, it said there were significantly mitigating features in relation to the offending, and to Mr Healy’s own personal circumstances.

“The practitioner was able to point to 11 glowing character references, a blemish-free conviction history, the ongoing support of his employers are well as considerable steps taken to demonstrate his remorse and rehabilitation,” it said.

The Tribunal it considered the matter could be dealt with short of suspension. However, it said a censure would be an inadequate reflection of the seriousness of the conduct and there ought to be a meaningful fine, with $8,000 a proper level.

As well as the censure and fine, the Tribunal ordered Mr Healy to pay total costs of $8,665.