Liam Gerard McEleavey

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

Liam Gerard McEleavey, a non-solicitor conveyancing consultant employed by G Solicitors, was found to have dishonestly misappropriated clients' funds (Mr and Mrs W's £1,936.92 cash never entered into client account, and an attempted mortgage redemption by dishonoured personal cheque) and to have dishonestly dispersed mortgage monies in the Mr M matter for his own benefit in an apparent mortgage fraud. The Tribunal, proceeding in his absence, found all allegations including dishonesty proved beyond reasonable doubt. As he was not a solicitor, the Tribunal made a Section 43 Order restricting his employment in the profession without SRA permission, and ordered him to pay costs of £12,929.78.

Duties found breached:

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

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty involving misappropriation of significant client and lender funds
• Involvement in an apparent mortgage fraud in the Mr M matter
• Clients prejudiced - mortgage left undischarged, possession proceedings
• Failed to engage with proceedings or rectify matters