P G Stonelake & 2 Others

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

Stonelake, a solicitor indefinitely suspended in 2004, was employed as a legal clerk by Keppe Rofer subject to 11 conditions under s.41(4) of the Solicitors Act 1974. He overcharged client RJW, breached his employment conditions, and made 73 unauthorised transfers totalling £4,490.10 from client to office account to keep the Aberdare office viable. The Tribunal expressly found him dishonest under the Twinsectra test and struck him off the Roll, with costs of £5,581.50. The Second Respondent admitted breaching s.41(4) and failing to supervise; given strong medical and personal mitigation she was suspended for three months (costs £4,651.25). The Third Respondent, a partner with limited culpability, was reprimanded (costs £930.25).

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Previous Tribunal finding in 2004 resulting in indefinite suspension
• Breached conditions of employment from the very first day and on numerous occasions (73 transfers)
• Committed dishonesty by guile and deceit while subject to strict regulatory conditions
• Continued misconduct despite a prior serious sanction