John Pursley

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

John Pursley, a solicitor at TWM Solicitors LLP admitted to over 40 years of practice, admitted creating a backdated compliments slip and covering letter, lodging a false witness statement with the First Tier Property Tribunal, and providing false/misleading information to clients, agent, firm, counsel, Tribunal and DX regarding when a leasehold enfranchisement application was submitted. His motive was to conceal his late submission and avoid personal criticism. He admitted dishonesty. The Tribunal approved the agreed outcome, striking him off the Roll and ordering costs of £10,428.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Act in the client's best interests
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Misconduct at the highest end of seriousness
• Deception of the Court/Tribunal as an officer of the court
• Experienced solicitor (over 40 years)
• Motivated to avoid personal criticism
• Deprived clients of opportunity to remedy matters early
• Multiple recipients of false statements over a period of time

Mitigating factors:

• Returned to work after protracted absence due to mental ill health
• Felt sustained period of workplace persecution and instability
• Previously unblemished disciplinary record over 40 years
• Full co-operation with the SRA
• Admissions made from the outset
• Now retired