Michael Alistair Watts

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

Michael Alistair Watts, a sole practitioner admitted in 1977, faced five allegations arising from a 2005 forensic investigation, including withdrawing costs without delivering bills, overcharging estates by nearly £120,000, creating debit balances totalling £21,005.41 across 42 client matters, paying himself a legacy from Ms G's estate ahead of other legatees when funds were insufficient, and making unallocated client-to-office transfers. He did not attend. The Tribunal found all allegations proved and expressly found dishonesty applying the Twinsectra test, describing it as 'a bad case of dishonesty'. He was struck off and ordered to pay £11,500 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper benefit, loan or bequest
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty - repeatedly raided client account under financial pressure
• Conduct occurred over a number of years
• Very significant cash shortage (overcharge of £119,605.59 in EP estate; debit balances totalling £21,005.41)
• Paid himself as residuary legatee ahead of pecuniary legatees
• 'Milked' costs where residuary beneficiary was a charity
• Claims made on the Compensation Fund