Richard Paul Roberts

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

Richard Paul Roberts, a sole practitioner, faced six allegations of breaches of the Solicitors' Accounts Rules and Code of Conduct, including holding office money in client account, retaining disbursement monies (including counsels' fees of £125,498.09) without paying them, poor bookkeeping, and failing to disclose his bankruptcy. He admitted all allegations but denied dishonesty regarding allegation 1.2. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved only on allegation 1.3 (retaining professional disbursement monies in office account), but found dishonesty not proved on 1.2. Given the express finding of dishonesty and no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £8,151.50.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Diligence and timeliness

Aggravating factors:

• Significant client account shortage of at least £167,278.90
• Unpaid counsels' fees dating back to April 2007
• Used client/disbursement monies to fund practice cash flow and personal drawings
• Respondent admitted he knew what he was doing was wrong
• Failed to maintain agreed instalment repayment arrangements with counsel

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters
• Admitted facts and most allegations
• Candid with the investigation officer about his conduct and motives
• Difficult personal financial circumstances including bankruptcy and unemployment