Robert Walter Hood Richmond

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

Solicitor admitted misappropriating clients' funds (minimum shortage £119,715.63) and instigating false accounting entries to conceal misuse for his own benefit. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated and characterised the conduct as dishonest and of the utmost seriousness. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £508.33 plus the Investigation Accountant's costs to be taxed.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Minimum shortage of £119,715.63 on client account
• Instigated numerous false entries to conceal misuse of client funds
• Repeated/earlier misappropriation rectified using other client funds
• Serious breach of trust

Mitigating factors:

• Did not contest the facts
• Partial reimbursement of shortfall including £13,000 from respondent
• Resigned from partnership following discovery