Mark Henry David Payne

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

Mark Henry David Payne, a partner at Wiggin Osborne Fullerlove Solicitors, admitted 11 allegations (advanced across 14 numbered allegations) of misusing client funds without authority, fabricating documents and providing false information to clients and colleagues over a long period. He admitted dishonesty in respect of all allegations. The matter was dealt with on the papers by way of an Agreed Outcome. The Tribunal found his admissions properly made and that culpability and harm were high, with no exceptional circumstances. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £12,405.80.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Repeated dishonesty
• Misconduct continued over a very long period of time and involved concealment from clients and employees
• Experienced solicitor with over 20 years post-qualification experience

Mitigating factors:

• Reported his own misconduct to the SRA
• Full and unqualified admissions at earliest stage and full co-operation
• Previously unblemished record over 25 years
• Suffered from depression and abnormal personality traits supported by medical evidence
• Significant personal difficulties including bereavement, marriage breakdown and health issues
• Made substantial payments (in excess of £1.5M) from his own resources to cover client bills
• Remorse and acceptance that he should never practise again