Decision record
Graham John Parr
JurisdictionEngland & Wales
BodySolicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT)
Professionsolicitor
Case number9288/2005
Date01/01/2005
OutcomeStrike off
Allegation / charges
Others
Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision
SanctionStrike Off
CostsGBP 2,900
Dishonesty foundYes
Graham John Parr, an assistant solicitor and head of criminal department at Bramsdon & Childs, dishonestly made claims for reimbursement of travel expenses/disbursements he never incurred across seven client matters relating to legal aid funded cases. The Tribunal found the allegation substantiated and expressly found dishonesty established beyond reasonable doubt. Despite the small sums involved, the need for high financial probity in the profession warranted striking him off the Roll, plus costs of £2,900. He did not attend the hearing.
Duties found breached:
Aggravating factors:
- Prior appearance before the Tribunal in 1997 (reprimanded for conflict of interest)
- Repeated false claims across seven client matters
- Abuse of position as head of criminal department and legal aid claims
Mitigating factors:
- Relatively small sums involved
- Personal and financial stress including bankruptcy from former firm's failure
- Heavy workload and long hours
- Expressed shame and remorse