Peter Anthony Yeeles

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

Peter Anthony Yeeles, a sole practitioner admitted in 1972, admitted all 14 allegations including practising in breach of practising certificate conditions, overcharging, misleading clients and the Law Society, and misusing client funds. The Tribunal found express dishonesty in relation to overcharging the estate of Mrs O and misrepresentations to executors Mr and Mrs T. Despite mitigation of personal turmoil and full admissions, the case was not exceptional, and applying Bolton v The Law Society, he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay agreed costs of £17,000.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No taking unfair advantage
• Act only on proper, lawful instructions
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Hold a current practising certificate

Aggravating factors:

• Conscious impropriety and dishonesty toward Mr and Mrs T
• Overcharged estate of Mrs O approximately £86,359 against agreed maximum of ~£45,578
• Repeated failures to respond to regulator
• Misrepresentations to clients and to the Law Society

Mitigating factors:

• Full admission of all allegations from outset
• Frankness in acknowledging wrongdoing
• Considerable personal turmoil over prior ten years (father's death, marriage breakdown, alcohol)
• Conduct out of character
• Positive personal references