Sharon Baseley

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

Sharon Baseley, a non-solicitor practice manager employed by Astons Solicitors, was found by the Tribunal to have misappropriated money belonging to the firm (including taking a sum of £338.83 twice, an unauthorised second salary payment, and £850 in cash withdrawals from the firm's and the principal's personal accounts while he was on holiday) without authority. She did not appear. The Tribunal accepted the Applicant's evidence and made a section 43 order regulating her future employment in the profession, and ordered her to pay costs of £6,337.99. The Tribunal made an express finding of breach of trust and misappropriation but did not make an express finding of dishonesty.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Abused position of trust as a respected, trusted practice manager with access to accounts, cheque books and bank cards
• Sole staff member who knew the PIN for the firm's and principal's bank cards