Roger Rees Keedy

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

Sole practitioner solicitor admitted all allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor arising from two Law Society Investigation Accountant reports (1993 and 1995). His books were not compliant with the Solicitors Accounts Rules; cash shortages of £14,891.51 (first report) and £48,991.72 (second report) arose from improper transfers from client to office account, debit balances, improper retention of Legal Aid funds and clients' costs monies, and improper payments from client account. He had previously appeared before the Tribunal in October 1990 for similar breaches (fined £500) when found to be honest and let down by accountants. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated and, despite mitigation, found him unfit to practise. It did not make an express finding of dishonesty (referring instead to dealing with care and integrity), though the applicant invited the Tribunal to consider whether his conduct was honest. He was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £5,071.58. A subvention grant of £8,018.58 was made from the Compensation Fund.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Prior appearance before the Tribunal in October 1990 for similar Accounts Rules breaches and utilisation of clients' money (fined £500)
• Breaches continued over several years
• Transfers from client to office account made when respondent was aware expected receipts had not materialised, and failure to rectify
• Books never properly written up to date over the period