Matthew Kenneth Sproston

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

Matthew Kenneth Sproston, sole principal of Sproston & Co, faced eight allegations. He admitted allegations 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8, including allegation 7 which was expressly an allegation of dishonesty for misleading client Mrs A about a non-existent claim, a fictitious court hearing and providing a false case number. Allegation 4 (client account cheque misuse) was not substantiated as the Tribunal accepted it was a genuine, stopped error. Allegation 6 (acting without a practising certificate after bankruptcy suspension) was found substantiated. The Tribunal found the dishonesty demonstrated he was not fit to be a solicitor and struck him off the Roll, ordering him to pay the Applicant's costs subject to detailed assessment unless agreed.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• No prejudicial publicity for pending cases
• No conflict between current clients
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Repeated dishonesty in deceiving a client about court proceedings, providing a false case number and perpetuating the deception
• Catalogue of failures across multiple core professional duties
• Previous disciplinary matter (July 2008 reprimand for failing to deliver an Accountant's Report)
• Persistent failure to respond to SRA correspondence

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted most allegations including the dishonesty
• Apologised unreservedly to client and to colleague
• Claimed ill health and financial/personal pressures (though no medical evidence produced)
• No personal gain sought
• Previously unblemished career