John Richard Parker

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

John Richard Parker, admitted 1974, dishonestly misappropriated £43,900 from two accounts of his client Mr E held under an Enduring Power of Attorney, between December 1998 and April 2001, paying funds into his own account. He admitted allegations (ii), (iii) and (iv) capped at £43,900, having pleaded guilty to nine charges of theft and one of deception at Doncaster Crown Court and been sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment. The Tribunal expressly found dishonesty within a systematic course of conduct, struck him off the Roll, and ordered costs of £17,157.65 despite his bankruptcy.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty took place within a systematic course of conduct
• Convicted and sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment for offences of dishonesty relating to the same facts
• Funds taken over an extended period (December 1998 to April 2001)
• Vulnerable client under an Enduring Power of Attorney

Mitigating factors:

• Previous good character / impeccable character
• Pleaded guilty at first available opportunity in criminal proceedings
• Personal circumstances including marriage breakdown and obligations to children
• Suffered from depression (medical report)
• No lavish lifestyle; income largely used to meet repayments
• No problems with other clients' monies
• Remorse and acceptance of responsibility