Godfrey Arthur Brew

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

Godfrey Arthur Brew, a sole practitioner admitted in 1965, admitted six allegations including failure to deliver two accountant's reports, non-compliance with the Solicitors' Accounts Rules, a minimum client account shortage of £15,033.41, failure to rectify that shortage, and practising for around a month without a practising certificate. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated. No dishonesty was found; the conduct was described as negligent and cavalier. Given the seriousness and unremedied breaches, the Tribunal imposed an indefinite suspension and ordered costs of £954, recommending suspension not be lifted until outstanding reports were filed and an undertaking given not to practise as a sole practitioner.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Hold a current practising certificate

Aggravating factors:

• Breaches took place over a period of two to three years
• Numerous opportunities given to comply, but breaches still not remedied at time of hearing
• Client account shortage of £15,033.41 remained outstanding
• Negligent and cavalier attitude towards observance of the Solicitors' Accounts Rules
• Closed practice while books still not in order

Mitigating factors:

• Long-standing ill health requiring hospital treatment on several occasions
• Difficulties finding a replacement book-keeper after departure in August 2007
• Prompt admissions of the allegations
• 45 years' practice without previous disciplinary problems
• No previous disciplinary sanctions