Roger Rees Keedy

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

Roger Rees Keedy, a sole practitioner admitted in 1979, admitted all five allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor arising from two Law Society investigations revealing serious breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules, use of clients' funds for his own purposes, and wrongful retention of Legal Aid monies, with cash shortages of £14,891.51 (1993) and £48,991.72 (1995). Despite a prior 1990 disciplinary appearance for similar matters, he again failed to maintain proper accounts, largely relying on accountants. The Tribunal found him unfit to practise and did not make an express finding of dishonesty, referring instead to the need to deal with care and integrity. He was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £5,071.58.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Previous appearance before the Tribunal in October 1990 for similar Accounts Rules breaches and use of clients' money, when he was fined £500 and told to be meticulous
• Failure to learn from earlier disciplinary experience
• Cash shortages persisted over several years; largest reaching £48,991.72
• Transfers made from client to office account when he knew or should have known expected funds had not materialised

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all allegations; did not contest facts
• Overwork in a busy sole practice, no holiday for four years
• Considerable personal stress (family pressures, mother's heart attack, unsupportive bankers)
• Let down by successive accountants and book-keepers
• Bank errors accounted for part of the improper payments
• Rectified/replaced the shortfall, injecting some £37,500 of his own resources
• In difficult financial circumstances with no income at time of hearing