Kerry Ann Verrall

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

Kerry-Ann Verrall, a non-solicitor paralegal at Arscotts Solicitors, was dismissed for gross misconduct. She admitted stealing (and selling) a ring belonging to a fellow employee, for which she was cautioned by the Police. She also misled a client about the progress of matters and altered computer records to conceal an error, and provided misleading CV information about why she left the firm. The Respondent did not attend or make submissions. The Tribunal made a Section 43 Order controlling her employment within the profession to protect the public and the profession, and ordered her to pay costs subject to detailed assessment.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Handle inadvertently received material

Aggravating factors:

• Failed to attend the hearing or provide written submissions
• Attempted to conceal wrongdoing (altering computer records; misleading CV)

Mitigating factors:

• Apologised for and admitted the theft of the ring