Denis Charles Wynn

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

Denis Charles Wynn, an experienced sole practitioner, made 147 unallocated transfers totalling £97,828.58 from client to office account over approximately four years to prop up his failing firm, creating a minimum client account shortage of £111,253.38. He also took costs without bills, failed to return client monies, failed to replace the shortfall, failed to carry out adequate reconciliations and failed to file an Accountant's Report. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved (Twinsectra test met, including the Respondent's own admission that he knew his actions were dishonest at the time). Despite significant health-related personal mitigation and a previously unblemished career, no exceptional circumstances were argued and he was struck off. The SRA compensation fund had paid out £394,956.63 to clients.

Duties found breached:

• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Avoid wasting the court's time
• No improper use of client money
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Motivation was to prop up the failing firm using client money
• 147 transfers over approximately four years - extended course of conduct
• Large sums involved, over £100,000 missing
• Experienced solicitor with direct control over the firm
• Breach of a position of trust
• Clients had to be compensated by the profession (compensation fund paid out £394,956.63)
• Dishonesty found
• Harm to reputation of the legal profession was reasonably foreseeable