Kesakapillai Raveenderan

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

Respondent, a sole practitioner admitted in 1999, self-reported after being unable to complete a conveyancing transaction. Investigation found a minimum client account shortage of £137,919.88 caused by using one client's funds to progress other matters, including using mortgage funds received for Mr SK to redeem a mortgage on an unrelated property. He ceased writing up ledgers from June/July 2013, created fictitious invoices to move client money to office account and conceal transfers from auditors. He admitted all five allegations and dishonesty, which the Tribunal found proved on the Twinsectra test. He claimed his wife's and his own ill health and being let down by others as exceptional circumstances, but the Tribunal found none existed. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £10,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Disclose adverse law to the court
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Deliberate course of action over a prolonged period
• Resulted in substantial loss (approx £137,000 client account shortfall)
• Sole practitioner with direct responsibility
• Solicitor of some 14 years' experience at material time
• Created fictitious invoices to conceal misconduct from auditors