(unnamed respondent)

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

Mr Andrew, former HOLP/HOFA of Ontier LLP, appealed the SRA Adjudication Panel's decision upholding a rebuke for causing/allowing client account shortages. The SRA conceded on appeal that the largest shortage (£93,600) had been found in error. In respect of the remaining shortages (£13,969 and £10,000), the Tribunal found the Adjudication Panel had given inadequate reasons—failing to explain why Mr Andrew could not rely on professional bookkeepers (Kingston Smith) or why he was personally culpable rather than vicariously liable. This amounted to a serious procedural irregularity, so the decision was overturned and the appeal allowed. The SRA was ordered to pay Mr Andrew's costs of £37,869.77 (reduced from the £61,767.72 claimed, including a one-third reduction to leading counsel's fee).