Secrecy shrouds case

Suppression orders blanket a High Court appeal by former Wairarapa lawyer Ken Daniels against a ruling of professional misconduct.

Mr Daniels this month lost an appeal to the High Court against a ruling by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Tribunal.

The tribunal had found Mr Daniels guilty of professional misconduct and suspended him for three years from February 7, though the suspension was held off pending appeal.

Mr Daniels' suspension was connected to an undertaking not to continue practising law.

He retired in June.

The tribunal had also ordered Mr Daniels to pay $5000 compensation to the complainant and $40,000 in legal costs - penalties confirmed by the High Court.

The High Court decision dismissing Mr Daniels' appeal prohibits publication of any further details of the case.

Mr Daniels has been an advocate in several high-profile crime cases, including the multiple murders committed by Raymond Ratima in 1992, and the double slaying of two girls by Bruce Howse in 2001.