Robert Mannering Sedgwick

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

Robert Mannering Sedgwick, a solicitor admitted in 1973, faced four allegations of facilitating the preparation/execution/circulation of backdated documents (2016-2019) connected to the London Capital & Finance mini-bond scheme (found by Miles J to be a Ponzi scheme), and of acting for borrowers while sole director/shareholder of security trustee GST in obvious own-interest conflict. The Tribunal, proceeding in his absence, found all four allegations proved, breaching Principles 2 and 6 and Outcome 3.4. No express finding of dishonesty was made (the SRA confirmed dishonesty was not alleged; SFO investigating those matters separately). Given the serious misconduct, prior disciplinary history and failure to learn, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll. Costs claimed of GBP 68,514.40 were reasonable but no order as to costs was made due to his undisputed bankruptcy and inability to pay.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Integrity
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Deliberate and repeated continuation of misconduct
• Acting despite clear and obvious significant risk of own interest conflict
• Previous disciplinary matter (12-month suspension and conditions in 2017)
• Failure to learn from past misconduct despite being an extremely experienced solicitor
• Continued pattern of unethical behaviour in disregard of regulatory obligations
• Significant harm to reputation of the profession and to bondholders who lost significant money in what was found to be a Ponzi scheme