David Charles Woodman

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

The respondent, a sole practitioner, abandoned his practice in about November 1991 and was made bankrupt, leaving a shortfall on client account of approximately £39,000. He breached the Solicitors' Accounts Rules and used client money for his own purposes. He did not appear at the hearing. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated and that he had behaved in an entirely dishonourable manner, ordering him struck off and to pay costs of £642.40. Although the Tribunal described his conduct as 'entirely dishonourable,' it made no express finding of dishonesty.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Abandoned practice with no explanation
• Significant shortfall on client account (approx £39,000)
• Showed no consideration for his clients
• Did not appear or engage with proceedings