Ashok Kumar Sancheti

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

Ashok Kumar Sancheti, sole director of Morgan Walker Solicitors Ltd, faced 10 allegations (4 alleging dishonesty) arising from four client matters. The Tribunal, proceeding in his absence, found 9 allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt, including all 4 dishonesty allegations. He breached a professional undertaking and failed to account for £63,000 (V/R matter); wrongly converted and moved abroad US$3.5m held for a matrimonial settlement, breaching Holman J's order and later court orders including one with a penal notice (Mr G matter); failed to discharge £135,080 Stamp Duty for client AHL; and failed to account for settlement funds in the H matter (one allegation, 1.8, found not proved). He operated no client account and kept no accounting records, leaving substantial sums untraced. The Tribunal found dishonesty under the Twinsectra test and ordered him struck off the Roll immediately. Costs (claimed £161,432.55 after reduction) were referred for detailed assessment, with an immediate interim payment of £106,545 ordered. His later appeal was dismissed and a second appeal refused.

Duties found breached:

• Comply with and respect court orders
• No conflict between current clients
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found on four allegations
• Element of planning; conduct not spontaneous
• Repeated breaches of High Court Orders, including one endorsed with a penal notice
• Complete failure to maintain any client account or accounting records, making funds untraceable
• Considerable harm caused to clients and third parties (e.g. Mr G had to sell his home and effectively pay a £3.19m settlement twice; V unable to recover £63,000; AHL/H suffered losses)
• Experienced, intelligent solicitor operating in more than one jurisdiction
• Left the jurisdiction (India) to avoid facing proceedings and obstructed/prevaricated throughout
• Financial gain to shore up his failing firm
• Voluntary absence and failure to engage with proceedings

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters