Colin John Turner

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

Colin John Turner, a sole practitioner admitted in 1973, faced multiple allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor including supervision failures, non-response to regulator, failure to maintain indemnity insurance, practising while bankrupt/suspended, accounts rules breaches and failing to honour an undertaking. He admitted all allegations except dishonesty. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved under the Twinsectra test regarding improper transfer of £455.41 in client credit balances to office account via fictitious invoices. Given the seriousness and a prior disciplinary finding, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £9,874.47.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Previous disciplinary finding (2007) with fine of £5,500 for similar failings
• Treated professional regulator with disdain
• Persisted in claiming entitlement to treat client monies as he did
• Experienced solicitor who had held senior positions
• Continued to practise after bankruptcy suspended his certificate

Mitigating factors:

• Wife diagnosed with serious illness (leukaemia) causing psychological reaction
• Considerable period of personal and professional stress
• Made bankrupt with debts of £100,000
• Admitted all allegations except dishonesty
• Relatively small sums involved (£455.41)