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Former Leeds lawyer on drugs charge
July 29 2008
A former Leeds lawyer and chemical expert with a top local firm of solicitors is to face a drugs charge.
Former Leeds lawyer on drugs charge
A former Leeds lawyer and chemical expert with a top local firm of solicitors is to face a drugs charge.
Roger Lowe - a chemicals specialist and until recently an associate of Walker Morris - has been charged with supplying the Class A drug cocaine and will appear at Leeds Magistrates Court next Wednesday.
Lowe, 40, is understood to have been arrested by West Yorkshire Police as part of its ongoing anti-drugs campaign Operation Brava.
The offence is alleged to have taken place at the Baby Jupiter Bar, York Place, Leeds city centre. Dr Lowe lives in the Leeds area.
Until recently Dr Lowe was part of a three-strong legal team from Walker Morris advising on the impact of sweeping European legislation governing the use of chemicals.
Walker Morris was one of the first UK law firms to be appointed to a national panel established by the Chemicals Industry Association.
The firm's team was established to advise on the new chemical safety legislation Reach- Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals - which placed responsibility for ensuring the safety of chemicals onto companies who produce, import or use them. The Reach legislation is administered by the new European Chemicals Agency.
Lowe, who holds a PhD in Instrumentation and Analytical Chemistry has post-doctoral experience in chemical analysis.
When Lowe appears in court later this week it is expected that the bench will rule on the choice of where the case will be heard, the magistrates court or Leeds Crown Court. The crown court has heavier sentencing powers.
Lowe is due to be represented by the WELL KNOWN LEEDS CRIMINAL LAWYER GRAHAME STOWE.
A spokesman for Walker Morris later said: "Roger Lowe was, but is no longer, employed by this firm."