Steven Lilly

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

Steven Lilly was found guilty of professional misconduct on two matters. Regarding client Mr A, he repeatedly and dishonestly told the client and a colleague that an appeal to the Nobile Officium had been lodged and an interim liberation hearing fixed when neither was true — an express finding of dishonesty. Regarding client Mr B, he provided his personal bank details (a reckless error), received and retained £600 of fees due to his employer and failed to return them, breaching his duty of integrity (the dishonesty allegation here was not upheld under the Ivey test). Given the seriousness, a previous misconduct finding, and concerns about public protection, the Tribunal struck his name off the Roll. In a later compensation hearing, the Tribunal awarded Mr B £1,000 compensation and found the Respondent liable for expenses.

Duties found breached:

• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Honesty
• Not misrepresent regulated status
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Previous finding of professional misconduct (dated 11 March 2016)
• Conduct involved lying to a client and embroiling a colleague in the deception
• Tribunal considered Respondent a danger to the public and risk to reputation of profession

Mitigating factors:

• Genuine remorse
• Full cooperation with disciplinary process including extensive Joint Minute
• Personal/health issues (anxiety and depression) at the time of misconduct
• Mr A lost no right of recourse to the court and the sum involving Mr B was small