Michael Anthony Webster

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

The Respondent, a partner and COFA at Webster Dixon LLP, was convicted on his own confession at the Central Criminal Court of dishonestly making false representation. After a loan to fund a client's diamond venture failed, he made five fraudulent transactions from client account over eleven days totalling £75,605.27, repaying £27,000 with the shortfall met by indemnity insurers. He was sentenced to 8 months' imprisonment, ordered to pay £48,605.57 compensation plus a £100 victim surcharge, and disqualified as a director for two years. He admitted all allegations in the Rule 7 Statement and did not attend. The Tribunal found the allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt, found no exceptional circumstances, and struck him off the roll, ordering £2,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

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

Aggravating factors:

• Conviction for fraud involving multiple (five) fraudulent transactions over eleven days
• Abuse of position of trust as solicitor and COFA
• Significant damage to public confidence in the profession
• Media coverage of the conviction

Mitigating factors:

• Expressed extreme regret and remorse
• Partial repayment of £27,000
• Glowing references/testimonials
• No previous disciplinary matters
• Admitted all allegations