Anthony Robert Dart

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

Anthony Robert Dart, a sole practitioner specialising in criminal defence, was found to have breached Principle 6 of the SRA Principles 2011. He had successfully represented a vulnerable young female client (Miss BC, ~22, with mental health issues) in a criminal matter, but when she could not pay his outstanding bill he participated in, developed and encouraged discussions about settling the bill 'in kind' (including photographs and possible sexual activity) and watched pornography with her in his office. Allegation 1.1.1 was withdrawn; the Tribunal found the Principle 6 breach proved but rejected the Principle 4 (best interests) allegation, holding that Principle 4 relates to the provision of legal services, which he had performed appropriately. The Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty, and gave no weight to the disposal of his mobile phone as concealment. Given the fundamental breach of trust toward a vulnerable client and the paramount need to protect the reputation of the profession, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered him to pay agreed costs of £12,000.

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Inequality of power between solicitor and vulnerable client
• Misconduct continued over a period of time (a meeting, a Saturday meeting watching pornography, and at least two further phone calls)
• Respondent was very experienced in dealing with vulnerable criminal defendants, exacerbating culpability
• Knowledge of client's vulnerability (aged ~22, mental health issues, bipolar, appropriate adult, financial distress)
• Attempted to cover his tracks/avoid a written record and asked client not to text or tell others
• Did not notify the SRA when he was 'getting out of his depth'
• Greater degree of planning and foresight than he acknowledged
• Motivated by personal benefit

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished long career
• Genuine insight and remorse shown
• High quality and large number of character testimonials
• Client's role in recording conversations may have shaped how they developed (though not a persuasive mitigating factor)
• Significant personal and professional consequences suffered
• Admissions made