Richard Andrew David Pugh

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Richard Andrew David Pugh, a solicitor admitted in 1977, was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor on seven allegations. The Tribunal made express findings of dishonesty on three: lying to client Mr L about settlement offers, creating a false 'bogus court order', and failing to follow the Green Card in three conveyancing transactions that almost certainly involved fraud on lenders. He also breached the Accounts Rules, borrowed £26,000 from clients without independent advice, failed to follow instructions, and delayed. He had a prior 1995 Tribunal appearance. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £11,000.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Prior appearance before the Tribunal in 1995 (conflict of interest, failure to protect client's best interests, fined £3,500)
• Conduct suggested financial difficulties; loans used to pay tax bill
• Conveyancing transactions almost certainly involved fraud on institutional lenders
• Sent client two 'interim' cheques funded by borrowing from other clients
• Experienced solicitor at the time of the events

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the facts and all allegations except dishonesty
• Made no financial gain from conveyancing transactions (as asserted)
• Expressed remorse and apologised, acknowledged he should not practise
• Health problems and family circumstances
• Cooperated in giving oral evidence