Phillip John Griffiths

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

The Respondent, a sole practitioner/partner at LawCare Solicitors, was convicted at Warwick Crown Court of failing to make a required disclosure under s.330(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, having had reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting that clients (Mr and Mrs Davis, later convicted of drug trafficking) were engaged in money laundering. He had earlier acted for the Davises and been served with a Drug Trafficking Production Order, yet later effected a transfer of their property at a gross undervalue. He was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment, reduced to 6 months on appeal (serving 3 months). He admitted the allegation and did not attend. The Tribunal noted he was convicted only on the basis of reasonable grounds for knowledge/suspicion, not actual knowledge, and made no express finding of dishonesty. Considering its duty to protect the public and the reputation of the profession, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £2,000 plus VAT (fixed at £2,350).

Duties found breached:

• Self-report to the regulator

Mitigating factors:

• Previously distinguished and unblemished career
• Provided efficient and worthwhile service to the public, including disadvantaged clients
• Offence was not one of dishonesty; acquitted of the more serious charge based on actual knowledge
• Claimed compliance with Law Society 'Green Card' guidance in operation at the time
• Made little or no profit from the transaction
• Already heavily punished by the criminal courts; loss of practice
• Suffered depression, counselling and medication following arrest
• Family suffered emotionally, psychologically and financially
• Forced to remortgage and sell family home
• Devoted himself to charity work (SHARP) supporting prisoners' families since release