Victoria Anne Donajgrodzka

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

Victoria Anne Donajgrodzka, a sole practitioner solicitor, admitted all allegations including dishonesty (Twinsectra test satisfied). An FIO inspection found the firm's books had not been written up since May 2007 and a minimum cash shortage of £70,740.17 as at 11 June 2008, caused by improper transfers from client to office account to meet office expenses including a computer (£4,008.16) and motor vehicle (£14,000). She transferred £45,520 of client Mr L's funds to office account to pay expenses while in financial difficulty, and used part to buy a car. Despite mitigation (overwork, financial pressures, mental breakdown, bankruptcy, no intention to permanently deprive clients, prompt repayment of an earlier sum), the Tribunal struck her off the Roll and ordered costs of £4,701.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Improper use of client money for own purposes including purchase of a car and computer
• Misled client with inaccurate statement
• Significant client account shortage of £70,740.17
• Books of account not written up since May 2007

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all allegations including dishonesty
• Appeared in person before the Tribunal
• No intention to permanently deprive clients of money
• Repaid an earlier sum used in December 2007 quickly
• Considerable work, administrative and financial pressures while in practice
• Suffered a mental breakdown and ill health
• Adjudicated bankrupt and subject to 11-year bankruptcy restrictions order