Liam Gerard McEleavey

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

The Respondent, a non-solicitor conveyancing consultant employed by G Solicitors, was found to have misappropriated clients' funds. In the Mr & Mrs W matter he took £1,936.92 cash that never reached the client account and attempted to redeem their mortgage with a dishonoured personal cheque for £5,048.08. In the Mr M matter he was involved in a mortgage fraud, dispersing completion monies (including £34,354.77 for a personal debt, £6,250 to his partner, £168,735.94 to his own lender and £13,900 to his former firm) while the property remained registered to him and his partner. The Tribunal made express findings of dishonesty on the Twinsectra test for both matters and found all allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt. The Respondent did not engage with proceedings. A Section 43 Order was imposed and costs of £12,929.78 ordered.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Proper basis for allegations

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty involving misappropriation of significant client and lender funds
• Involvement in mortgage fraud, acting on both sides of a transaction
• Clients prejudiced; mortgage left undischarged and possession proceedings commenced
• Failed to rectify the dishonoured cheque or outstanding completion monies
• Did not engage with the proceedings or attend the hearing