Mohammed Irshad

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

Mohammed Irshad, admitted 1994, faced 17 allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor arising from a Forensic Investigation following the Law Society's intervention in July 2001. The Tribunal proceeded in his absence after refusing his adjournment request supported only by an undated GP note. All allegations were found proved, including a client account shortage exceeding £50,000, improper transfers, misuse of mortgage advances and drawing against uncleared cheques. The Tribunal expressly found dishonesty in respect of misleading the OSS investigator, failing to disclose material information to a client (the Loughborough Building Society), misapplying mortgage advances, and misleading the Derby County Court. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £14,182.75.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Disclose material information to client
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found against the regulatory investigator, a client, the Loughborough Building Society, and the Derby County Court
• Cash shortage on client account of over £50,000
• Astonishing number and range of allegations
• Drawing against uncleared cheques
• Misuse of client account for personal property transactions
• Failure to disclose material information to mortgage lender

Mitigating factors:

• Suffered heart attack, depression, hypertension and stress following intervention
• Replaced certain shortages from personal resources prior to inspection