Bayezia Djemal

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

Sole practitioner solicitor admitted drawing client monies improperly and using clients' funds for his own purposes and office expenses, causing a client account shortage of about £119,228.98. The Tribunal expressly found he had been dishonest, having taken clients' money behind their backs to keep his practice afloat even with intention to repay. Despite mitigation (family pressures, full disclosure, co-operation, no criminal prosecution), he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £3,054.62.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Misappropriation of clients' money totalling approximately £119,228.98
• Taking of money concealed from clients concerned
• Unable to replace the shortage; clients could have suffered
• Sustained period of misappropriation over many months (83 transfers, 41 cash withdrawals, etc.)

Mitigating factors:

• Full and frank admission and co-operation with Investigation Accountant
• No attempt to conceal actions within books of account
• No intention permanently to deprive clients of money; police decided not to prosecute
• Considerable family and financial pressures; funds used to keep firm afloat not for high living
• Positive testimonials/good local reputation