Henry Aitchison

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

Two solicitors, a married couple practising together as Aitchisons, faced allegations of breaching the Solicitors' Accounts Rules; Mr. Aitchison additionally faced an allegation of using clients' money for his own purposes. The Tribunal found a minimum client account shortage of £379,939.96 arising from personal payments, misuse of clients' funds for unconnected clients, and improper transfers, all solely attributable to Mr. Aitchison. Though his letter referred to knowing his actions were wrong, the Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty. Mr. Aitchison was struck off and ordered to pay costs (to be taxed if not agreed). Respondent 2, a salaried partner strictly liable but wholly unaware and not complicit, was reprimanded with no order as to costs.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Minimum cash shortage of £379,939.96 on client account
• False entries made in the firm's books at Mr. Aitchison's instigation
• Personal payments out of client account (£78,384)
• Clients' money improperly used for benefit of unconnected clients (£110,000)
• Improper transfers for bills of costs not delivered (£189,555.96)
• Substantial losses notified to the profession (~£1.1 million claimed)

Mitigating factors:

• Mr. Aitchison admitted the allegations and co-operated with the Investigation Accountant
• Respondent 2 was only a salaried partner, strictly liable but not complicit and wholly unaware of the situation
• Respondent 2 supported by letters from other solicitors, accountants and a police investigation report