Matthew Kenneth Sproston

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

Matthew Kenneth Sproston, a sole principal admitted in 1998, faced eight allegations. The Tribunal found allegations 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 substantiated (admitted) and also found allegation 6 (practising without a certificate) proven. Allegation 4 (issuing a client account cheque for a non-client matter) was found NOT substantiated, the Tribunal accepting it was a genuine error and the cheque was stopped and never cashed. The central and most serious finding was dishonesty: the Respondent repeatedly misled client Mrs A by inferring a claim existed, telling her a hearing was listed at Northwich County Court when none was, and providing a false case number. He admitted this was dishonest conduct, though not for personal gain. The Tribunal found him not fit to be a solicitor and ordered he be struck off the Roll. Costs were ordered against him subject to detailed assessment unless agreed (no fixed amount stated).

Duties found breached:

• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Hold a current practising certificate
• No conflict between current clients
• No taking unfair advantage
• Report serious misconduct of others
• Uphold public trust in the profession