Stephen Anthony John-Cyrus

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

Two solicitor partners (Aziz and Okpoko) of Chiltons Solicitors admitted conduct unbefitting a solicitor for accounts breaches, client account withdrawals, failure to inform lender clients, and inadequate supervision of an unadmitted clerk, Mr John-Cyrus, who worked in a separate office. The Tribunal found the clerk had acted dishonestly (manipulating conveyancing transactions in his own name, causing shortages, and using misleading letters). The solicitors were found honest but negligent in supervision; each was fined £1,000. Mr John-Cyrus was made subject to a section 43 employment restriction order. Costs of £8,000 were ordered jointly and severally, one third each.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• Disclose material information to client
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Supervise staff and delegated work

Aggravating factors:

• Client account shortage of £181,074.44 (including £86,175 and £79,399.01 shortages persisting for months)
• Dishonest conduct of the clerk facilitated by lack of supervision
• Misleading letters to lender Standard Life overstating the clerk's period of employment

Mitigating factors:

• Solicitors admitted the allegations from the outset and were contrite
• No dishonesty on the part of the solicitors and no personal gain
• Good character with supportive testimonials
• Duped by an experienced older employee believed to be a licensed conveyancer
• Breaches promptly rectified; subsequent Accountant's Reports unqualified and re-inspection satisfactory
• SIO inspection followed shortly after PSA visit, leaving little time to correct matters
• Seven of eight 'deposit paid direct' transactions were legitimately paid to estate agents