Charles Lewis Huw Owen-Evans

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

The Respondent, admitted 1995, was convicted on indictment at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court of seven deception offences and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (with concurrent terms). At least one offence related to his solicitor's practice, falsely representing to clients that money was needed for fees or court funds and pocketing it. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated, expressly held the offences were ones of dishonesty, and struck him off the Roll, ordering costs of £715.25.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Serious offences at the upper end of the scale
• Offences committed while a practising solicitor; abuse of trust of clients who knew and trusted him
• Victims very distressed
• False representations as to repayment