Stephen William Climo

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

The Respondent, an associate solicitor dealing with private client/probate matters, was convicted on his own plea of one count of fraud by false representation, three counts of fraud by abuse of position and one count of theft, relating to misappropriation of approximately £13,229.27 from five clients (including will/LPA clients, a deceased's estate, and a person under power of attorney). He was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment (concurrent) and a £120 victim surcharge, plus a £14,600 Proceeds of Crime Act order. The Firm largely made the reimbursements. The Tribunal found breaches of Principles 1, 2 and 6 proved beyond reasonable doubt via the certificate of conviction. The Tribunal expressly noted that dishonesty had NOT been alleged in the proceedings, though by their nature the offences involved dishonesty. It found a lack of integrity. Given the very high culpability, breach of trust and harm to the public and profession, the Respondent was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £4,254.60. Proceeded in the Respondent's absence under Adeogba principles.

Duties found breached:

• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Serve justice and improve the law

Aggravating factors:

• Misconduct deliberate, calculated and repeated over 3-4 years
• Motivation was greed and personal gain
• Concealed wrongdoing until found out
• Took advantage of vulnerable people
• Grave breach of position of trust
• High culpability, top end of scale

Mitigating factors:

• Apologised wholly and unreservedly in letter of 17 June 2016
• Made admissions during the firm's disciplinary process
• Raised health issues