Edgar Stephen George Thomas

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

Edgar Stephen George Thomas, a sole practitioner solicitor, was found to have grossly overcharged clients and estates in probate matters, transferring large sums from client account to office account without delivering bills, for work not actually done, and at sums far exceeding estimates and fair and reasonable charges (in one case nearly £100,000 on a routine estate valued at £258,000 where ~£3,750 was appropriate). He provided inaccurate cost information, charged £350/hour despite client care letters stating £200, and misled a client that funds were invested. The Tribunal found all allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt, including dishonesty under the Twinsectra test, finding the overcharging could not have occurred negligently and that he concealed amounts taken. With no exceptional circumstances, he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £76,000.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Honesty
• No taking unfair advantage
• Costs and fee transparency to client
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Proven dishonesty that was deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Systematic abuse of position of trust over an extended period, including acting as sole executor
• Continued same overcharging practices even after issues raised in first FI report
• Excessive overcharging on a large scale (e.g. ~£100,000 on a routine estate, charges up to 50 times the estimate)
• Harm caused to clients, beneficiaries and public trust in the profession
• Negligible insight; very limited admissions only made during evidence

Mitigating factors:

• No previous appearances before the Tribunal / no prior disciplinary history