David Shorrocks

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

David Shorrocks, sole principal of Shorrocks & Co, failed to deliver Accountant's Reports and, after ceasing practice, left approximately 1,200 closed client files, 38 sets of deeds and computers unsecured when Receivers took possession of his former offices. He failed to cooperate with the SRA and Receivers, and the whereabouts of at least £91,000 in client money was unknown. The Tribunal, proceeding in his absence, found all five allegations substantiated. Given his prior disciplinary history and continuing breach of the Tribunal's 2007 Order (under which he remained indefinitely suspended), the Tribunal struck him off the Roll. No dishonesty was alleged. Costs of £2,881.87 were ordered.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Two previous disciplinary matters (1995 and 2007)
• Continuing breach of the Tribunal's 2007 Order, remaining indefinitely suspended
• Pattern of serious breaches and repeated failures despite prior warnings
• Exposed the public to significant risk
• Failed to cooperate with the SRA and Receivers
• Left approx. 1,200 closed client files and 38 sets of deeds unsecured
• Whereabouts of at least £91,000 of client money unknown

Mitigating factors:

• Initial cooperation with the SRA in 2008/2009