Christopher Anthony Flowerdew

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

Christopher Anthony Flowerdew, an assistant solicitor, requested a client account cheque payable to Halifax plc in the exact sum (£339.89) due on his own credit card, supported by a fabricated attendance note and letter making it appear the client had requested it. When discovered, he gave inconsistent and implausible explanations, wrote his own credit card number on the cheque, and gave false explanations to the OSS blaming his secretary, which he later retracted. He had also made false timesheet entries regarding a Luton trial. The Tribunal found him an unreliable and untruthful witness and, applying Royal Brunei v Tan and Twinsectra v Yardley, expressly found his actions dishonest. Despite mitigation of ill health and unblemished record, he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £4,800 plus VAT.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Carefully planned attempt to make it appear the cheque had been requested by the client
• Fabricated attendance note and letter
• Wrote his own credit card number on the client account cheque
• Gave conflicting and implausible explanations
• Made false entries on his timesheet regarding the Luton trial
• Made untrue assertions blaming his secretary which he was compelled to retract
• Was economical with the truth with his employer

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished record with no prior disciplinary proceedings
• Positive testimonials as to competence and integrity
• Serious ill health (likely multiple sclerosis) and personal stress including breakup of relationship
• Living on Incapacity Benefit and unable to work