Robert Henry Crossland Flynn Crossland Flynn

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

The Respondent, an equity member and head of commercial property at his firm, used client money to repay a personal loan to client N Ltd and then used other clients' (Mr and Mrs P) rent deposit money to plug the resulting shortfall on another client's ledger, enabling that client's purchase to complete. He caused false and misleading entries in the firm's accounting records to disguise the transactions. The Tribunal found all allegations proved, including dishonesty under the Twinsectra test in relation to allegations 1.1-1.3. With no exceptional circumstances, the Respondent was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £8,500. He did not attend; the firm had made good the £22,000 shortage with interest.

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was deliberate, calculated and elaborate
• Used client money for personal benefit to repay personal loan
• Used other clients' money to cover up the misuse
• Caused false and misleading ledger entries
• Lied to Mr A about the payment
• Experienced and trusted solicitor
• Provided no explanation to Firm or Applicant