Peter Gray 'deliberately misled' the High Court, according to Mr Justice Flaux, in a case in which a businessman was, incorrectly, linked to a 2009 grenade attack on the basis of information submitted by Mr Gray. The lawyer could now be disbarred and could also face criminal charges.

Anathema

The judge said in his ruling: 'I find that Mr Gray engaged in a strategy of equivocation and evasion which was not one which any reputable and honest solicitor could ever have adopted and the concept of "acceptable evasion" is clearly anathema to the standards of professional conduct to be expected of an officer of the court.'

Very disappointed

An inquiry is taking place into Mr Gray's conduct at Gibson Dunn. A spokesperson said: 'As a law firm, we place the highest value on ethical conduct, including honesty, integrity and candor.  We are very disappointed that the conduct of our Dubai-based partner, Peter Gray, fell far below the standard which the court rightly expects of all counsel.'

Same standards

Acting for the billionaire businessman, Abdourahman Boreh, Ben Davies, junior partner, Byrne and Partners (who was working with lead partner Yvonne Jefferies on the case), said: 'We welcome the judgment, which exemplifies the need for foreign states to be treated in the same manner and held to the same standards as any private party litigating in the Commercial Court – including those considered ‘foreign friendly states’ for diplomatic or political purposes. Sources: Legal Business; Bryne and Partners