C N Freeman and Another

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

Two partners of Fairley & Co faced disciplinary proceedings. The First Respondent (Charles Nicholas Freeman) had pleaded guilty to theft of £5,152.50 in cash (will payments) from the firm over a protracted period, for which he received a Community Punishment Order at Luton Crown Court. The Tribunal found dishonesty and struck him off the Roll, ordering him to pay costs of £1,603.31. The Second Respondent admitted failing to comply with an Adjudicator's decision to pay outstanding indemnity premiums and failing to file an Accountant's Report on time; both were later remedied. These breaches did not involve dishonesty. Given exceptional mitigating circumstances (domestic difficulties, having been let down by dishonest colleagues, financial responsibilities met, strong references), the Tribunal imposed a low fine of £500 plus agreed costs of £1,000.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Theft occurred on numerous occasions over a protracted period
• Money stolen belonged to the Respondent's own firm/partner

Mitigating factors:

• First Respondent admitted offence at first opportunity and co-operated with Law Society and Police
• First Respondent reimbursed the firm; no client suffered financial loss
• Second Respondent faced difficult and exceptional domestic and practice circumstances (wife's serious illness)
• Second Respondent had been let down by dishonest professional colleagues
• Second Respondent met substantial financial responsibilities and remedied the defaults
• Impressive references submitted for Second Respondent, a past president of Bedfordshire Law Society