Frank Onokebhagbe Egboh

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

The Respondent, admitted 1998 and practising as a partner at Franks Solicitors, faced allegations arising from a forensic investigation. The Tribunal found allegations A-G proved: chaotic and grossly reckless handling of client money including improper use of a suspense account, overpayments from client account totalling about £1,576.83, and obtaining loans totalling £55,000 from two clients (Ms A £48,000 and Ms O £8,000) without advising independent legal advice, security, interest or repayment terms, with transfers to office account described misleadingly as refunds. The Tribunal was NOT satisfied that dishonesty was proved under the Twinsectra test. Allegations H and I (drink-driving conviction with three-year disqualification and failure to respond to the SRA) were found NOT proven as professional misconduct. The Respondent did not attend; his application to adjourn was refused. He was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £12,300.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report