Richard Arnold Wilkes

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

Richard Arnold Wilkes, sole principal of Hansell Wilkes & Co, admitted transferring client money to office account without delivering bills and in excess of work done, creating a minimum cash shortage of around £255,000-£280,000, failing to rectify it, and providing banking facilities without an underlying transaction. He admitted dishonesty. The Tribunal found all allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt, found no exceptional circumstances under SRA v Sharma, and struck him off the Roll. Costs of £12,250 were ordered but not to be enforced without leave due to his bankruptcy and impecuniosity. Claims of over £1.26m had been paid from the Compensation Fund.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty
• Conduct was calculated, deliberate and repeated many times over a prolonged period (at least 167 instances)
• High culpability, sole responsibility
• Significant harm - shortage of around £250,000 not replaced; profession lost reputation and money

Mitigating factors:

• Degree of cooperation with the SRA
• Open and frank admissions
• No attempt at concealment
• No intention permanently to deprive; intention to recapitalise and repay
• Impact of recession on small practice
• No previous disciplinary matters