Colin John Turner

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

Colin John Turner, a sole practitioner admitted in 1973, faced numerous allegations relating to inadequate supervision, breaches of financial services and accounts rules, failures to respond to regulators and comply with Adjudicator directions and an undertaking, practising without a valid certificate (due to bankruptcy), failing to maintain indemnity insurance, and misleading clients on telegraphic transfer charges. He admitted all allegations except dishonesty. The Tribunal found, applying the Twinsectra test, that he had dishonestly withdrawn client money by raising fictitious invoices to clear small dormant credit balances totalling £455.41. The Tribunal rejected his explanation that he merely relied on his accountant. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £9,874.47.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Previous disciplinary findings in 2007 (fine of £5,500) for similar failings
• Treated his professional regulator with disdain
• Repeated failure to respond to correspondence and comply with directions
• Maintained he was entitled to treat client monies as he did
• Less than frank witness; secret profit on telegraphic transfers; preferring creditors while bankrupt

Mitigating factors:

• Wife diagnosed with serious illness (leukaemia) causing psychological reaction
• Adjudicated bankrupt; under considerable personal and professional stress
• Admitted all allegations except dishonesty
• Small sums involved (£455.41 cash shortage)
• Long career and senior positions held