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Hiddadura Anthony Oliver M Abeynayake

JurisdictionEngland & Wales
BodySolicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT)
Professionsolicitor
Case number10365/2009
Date01/01/2009
OutcomeStrike off

Allegation / charges

Breaches, Client Money, Failures, Solicitors' Accounts Rules, Others

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

SanctionStrike Off
CostsGBP 19,064
Dishonesty foundYes

A sole practitioner trading as Oliver Abey & Co was struck off after the Tribunal found all six allegations proved to the higher standard. He abandoned his practice, drew down mortgage funds from Abbey National on five properties without registering charges in favour of the bank, and transferred the funds to third parties and banks in South East Asia. The Tribunal applied Twinsectra v Yardley and found his conduct dishonest on both objective and subjective tests. He also breached an undertaking to Langleys Solicitors and failed to deliver two Accountant's Reports. He was neither present nor represented (believed residing in Sri Lanka; served by substituted service). Compensation Fund claims totalled £1,586,835.46. Struck off and ordered to pay costs of £19,064.30.

Duties found breached:

Aggravating factors:

  • Dishonesty
  • Caused losses to clients
  • Brought reputation of the profession into disrepute
  • Failed to respond to or cooperate with the regulator

Documents

Source: https://solicitorstribunal.org.uk/case/10365/