Harry Francis Cottam

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

Harry Francis Cottam, sole director, COLP and COFA of Cottams Solicitors Ltd, was found to have caused improper transfers totalling £175,115.44 from client to office account between May 2016 and May 2018 to prop up his firm after a devastating arson attack caused cashflow problems. The Tribunal found Allegation 1.1 (improper transfers) proved including dishonesty, applying the Ivey test, finding he knew the transfers were improper and used client monies to bolster the firm's finances. Allegation 1.2 (preparing false invoices) was found not proved as the evidence did not establish he created or caused them to be prepared. His attempt to blame his bookkeeper TN was rejected. The Tribunal found no exceptional circumstances under Sharma/James to avoid strike-off. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £4,000 costs (reduced from £32,082 claimed, having regard to his means as a recently discharged bankrupt). An appeal to the High Court was dismissed on 30 July 2025.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• No improper use of client money
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty
• Improper transfers were deliberate, calculated and repeated over a significant period (over 18 months)
• Sought to blame former bookkeeper TN a year into the investigation
• Knew he was in material breach of his obligations
• Position of trust as sole director, COLP and COFA and experienced solicitor
• Failure to report to SRA when he became aware

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished career and good character
• Victim of arson attack and death threats affecting health and judgment
• Repaid approximately £804 and attempted to sell premises to make good shortfall
• Co-operated with SRA investigation
• Engaged with proceedings throughout
• Made early admissions to improper nature of transfers