Roy Stewart Pybus

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

Roy Stewart Pybus, a sole practitioner, faced allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor relating to non-compliant books of account (cash shortage of £6,532.22, unallocated/incorrect transfers and transfers of costs without bills or written intimation), failure to promptly comply with an inadequate professional services decision, and failure to comply with an Adjudicator's resolution. The Tribunal found all allegations proved (allegation (ii) admitted). No express finding of dishonesty was made. Given the breaches, the Respondent's failure to comply with directions of his regulatory body, his unsatisfactory evidence, and his two prior Tribunal appearances, the Tribunal ordered him struck off the Roll and to pay costs subject to detailed assessment. The protection of the public was paramount.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal (1993 reprimand/fine; February 2000 fine of £6,000)
• Respondent was an evasive and unsatisfactory witness
• Failure to appreciate the seriousness of his failures even at the hearing
• Failure to comply with directions of his regulatory body
• Shortage on client account and taking costs without proper authority

Mitigating factors:

• Aged 60, practised over 30 years, of good character
• Financial difficulties and bankruptcy during the relevant period
• Intervention removed his access to client funds and suspended his practising certificate
• Long-standing use of suspense account managed by book keeper; staff disruption following intervention