Charles David Myers

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

Charles David Myers, an assistant solicitor at Mintons Solicitors, backdated a client's signature on a Legal Help Form and another client's signature on a Legal Aid declaration in November 2017, then attempted to amend and later destroy the application to conceal the backdating, and made untrue statements to his supervisors about the document's existence. He admitted all four allegations and admitted his conduct was dishonest. The Tribunal, dealing with the matter on the papers via an agreed outcome, found the admissions properly made and that dishonesty over an extended period made it untenable for him to remain on the Roll. He was struck off and ordered to pay agreed costs of £2,322.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty
• Conduct committed over an extended period
• Attempts to conceal misconduct including destroying the application
• Detriment to the Firm

Mitigating factors:

• Candour, remorse and insight (not agreed by SRA)
• Admitted conduct to the Firm and cooperated with the SRA
• Not directly enriched by his actions
• Came forward voluntarily and revealed full extent of wrongdoing
• Worked under significant pressure and stress with inadequate supervision (not agreed by SRA)