Michael Edward Rigg

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

The respondent, a solicitor practising as a Consultant at Morrish Solicitors LLP, pleaded guilty on 23 February 2012 to three counts of fraud by abuse of position (Section 4 Fraud Act 2006) and was sentenced to 26 months' imprisonment on 23 March 2012. The conviction involved dishonest theft of approximately £50,000 from an elderly and vulnerable client over a three-year period, in gross breach of trust. The Tribunal found the conviction breached SRA Principles 1, 2 and 6, and that it involved theft, dishonesty and fraud. Finding no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £1,226.65 (agreed). The respondent did not attend but did not contest the allegation.

Duties found breached:

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

Aggravating factors:

• Took advantage of an elderly and vulnerable client
• Conduct was deliberate and planned
• Committed over a period of three years
• Breach of a position of trust
• Involved dishonesty and commission of a criminal offence
• Must have known he was in material breach of obligations to protect the public and reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Made good the loss / repaid virtually all the money
• Showed insight into his conduct
• Pleaded guilty (entitled to maximum credit)
• No previous disciplinary matters
• Cooperated with the Applicant