Richard Edward Buxton

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

Richard Edward Buxton, sole director of Buxtons Solicitors Limited, was the executor of the estate of Mr T deceased. He set up a purported charity (British Children's Society Limited) in the BVI and a Swiss bank account, transferring £211,370 of estate funds into it. Between April and May 2008 he made improper payments of £47,017.77 to himself for personal and business expenses, credit card debts and a car. He returned all capital but not lost interest, and failed to produce VAT and loan account statements. He admitted dishonesty. The Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £1,884.68.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Abuse of position of trust as executor/trustee of the estate of Mr T deceased
• Used estate funds for personal benefit (debts, credit card bills, car, business expenses)
• Set up offshore BVI 'charity' and Swiss bank account to facilitate the misappropriation
• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations and expressed remorse ('I am truly sorry for my dishonesty')
• Returned all capital funds to the firm's client account by 19 June 2008, making up the shortfall from personal resources
• Countermanded a further transfer request after staff raised concerns
• Poor health (severe depression) and adverse financial circumstances (bankrupt, on benefits)