Richard Clive Hallows

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

Richard Clive Hallows, a sole principal, was found to have made improper withdrawals/transfers from multiple client accounts, operated a teeming-and-lading scheme, attempted to conceal shortfalls by paying in cheques from a company connected to his wife which he knew would not clear, misled Client A, Law Firm A, Estate Agent A and estate beneficiaries, failed to keep accurate books of account, caused a client account shortfall of at least £884,580.41, and breached three undertakings. The Tribunal found dishonesty proven on allegations 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.8. Allegation 1.7 was dismissed. Proceeding in his absence after refusing adjournment applications, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £63,320.48.

Duties found breached:

• Act in the client's best interests
• Honesty
• Honour professional undertakings
• Integrity
• No conflict between current clients
• No taking unfair advantage
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Proven and admitted dishonesty
• Premeditated, calculated and repeated misconduct over a significant period
• Teeming and lading with client monies
• Concealment by paying in cheques known not to clear and giving false excuses
• Significant harm to clients, some recompensed by Compensation Fund
• Huge damage to reputation of the profession
• No insight, shortfall not made good
• Failure to co-operate with regulator and deliberately evaded service

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished record