Peter Francis Miller

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

Peter Francis Miller, a sole principal solicitor, notified a Swiss lawyer (Dr Fischer) of the death of a relative to arrange release of funds due to his uncle (Mr MD) and mother from a Swiss bank account. He deceived Dr Fischer into transferring £59,664.25 to an account in the name of his Guernsey Fiscal Consultant rather than to his uncle. He paid his uncle only £20,000 in cash and fabricated a story that a further £20,000 had been seized by Swiss customs. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated, expressly found his conduct wholly dishonest and despicable, noted he ignored a prior 1997 warning about honesty, and struck him off the Roll ordering costs of £9,723.46. Hearing proceeded in his absence.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Account for interest on client money

Aggravating factors:

• Diverted funds due to his elderly uncle to an account in the name of his Guernsey Fiscal Consultant
• Fabricated a story that money was seized by Swiss customs
• Exploited family members (uncle and mother's estate)
• Previous disciplinary finding in 1996/1997 with fine of £4,500 for accounts breaches and clear warning about honesty
• Lack of co-operation with professional body
• Failure to respond to disciplinary proceedings and rendering himself unobtainable