Allen Hugh Cottell

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

The Respondent, admitted 1979, acted for both purchasers and the Nationwide Building Society in three 1992 back-to-back conveyancing transactions bearing clear mortgage-fraud warning signs (same vendor connected to introducing brokers, undervalues, simultaneous exchange/completion). He failed to investigate the vendor's title or disclose the back-to-back nature and a price reduction to the lender, signing Reports on Title confirming good title. In March 2000 he lied to a prospective employer (G solicitors) about ongoing SIF/OSS matters, having attended a SIF indemnity conference four days earlier, thereby gaining a consultancy. He also failed to respond to OSS correspondence and failed to deliver his accountant's report. Applying Royal Brunei Airlines v Tan, the Tribunal found him dishonest on allegations (i), (ii) and (iii), struck him off and ordered costs of £1,769.50.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Disclose material information to client
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty in relation to conveyancing transactions despite Law Society mortgage fraud warning card
• Compounded by clear dishonesty to prospective employer in 2000
• Serious mortgage fraud resulting in detriment to lender clients (no repayments made; properties tenanted)
• Failure to engage with regulator and Tribunal proceedings