Caines Colin

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

The respondent, a sole proprietor solicitor, was convicted on four charges of criminal breach of trust for dishonestly misappropriating at least $199,550.51 of clients' money entrusted to him. The Law Society applied to make absolute an order to show cause. The High Court found due cause shown under s 83(2)(a) LPA, as the offences involved dishonesty committed in his capacity as a solicitor. Given the substantial amounts, multiple charges, deliberate scheme and failure to make restitution, the court struck him off the roll and ordered him to bear costs. The respondent did not attend.

Duties found breached:

• Personal probity and fitness to practise
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Substantial amounts misappropriated (at least $199,550.51)
• Multiple charges - four convictions plus seven others taken into consideration
• Deliberate and dishonest scheme to defraud clients
• No restitution made to any client
• Offences committed in capacity as advocate and solicitor, betraying clients' trust

Mitigating factors:

• Contributions to the Law Society
• Remorse by pleading guilty at first opportunity
• Medical history