Godfrey Arthur Brew

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

Duties found breached:

• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Diligence and timeliness
• Hold a current practising certificate
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Breaches took place over a period of two to three years
• Numerous opportunities given to remedy breaches but failures continued, remaining unremedied at the time of hearing
• Client account cash shortage of GBP 15,033.41 remained outstanding
• Negligent and cavalier attitude towards observance of the Solicitors' Accounts Rules

Mitigating factors:

• Departure of book-keeper in August 2007 and difficulties finding a replacement
• Long-standing physical ill health requiring repeated hospital treatment
• Prompt admissions of all allegations
• 45 years of practice without previous disciplinary problems
• No previous disciplinary sanctions