K W Good, G M Cardona and A E A Davies

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

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found all allegations substantiated against solicitor Kenneth William Good, including misappropriation of client funds, a client account shortfall of around £140,000, breaches of undertakings, persistent failure to file Accountant's Reports and a criminal conviction. Applying the Twinsectra test, the Tribunal expressly found Mr Good had been dishonest in using clients' money for his own purposes and struck him off the Roll. He was ordered to pay the costs of the application and enquiry (Applicant's costs stated at £12,205.70, plus investigation accountant costs, subject to detailed assessment) less a £1,000 contribution from the other respondents. Co-respondent Graham Cardona, a salaried partner held out as a partner but with low culpability, was reprimanded and ordered to pay £500 costs. Mrs Anne Davies, a clerk who gave an unauthorised undertaking and failed to honour it, was made subject to a Section 43 order and ordered to pay £500 costs. Mr Good's adjournment application on medical grounds was refused as inadequately supported.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Large minimum shortfall on client account (approx £140,082)
• Use of client money for personal and office purposes
• Two clients' mortgages left unredeemed causing them anxiety and double payments
• Previous Tribunal finding in 2002 for failing to deliver Accountant's Reports (fined £2,000)
• Persistent failure to respond to the Law Society despite warnings

Mitigating factors:

• Mr Good claimed ill health/stress and psychiatric difficulties
• Mr Good accepted full responsibility and undertook to repay missing monies
• For Cardona: naivety, no role in wrongdoing, exonerated by Good, attended and admitted being held out as partner