M A Kentish & Another

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

Two partners of Stanfords Solicitors faced disciplinary proceedings after an SRA intervention revealed a client account shortfall of at least £360,714. The First Respondent (Kentish) was found to have dishonestly misappropriated client funds, taking drawings exceeding the firm's entire billed income, and was struck off and ordered to pay £12,000 costs. The Second Respondent, a 'sleeping partner' against whom no dishonesty was alleged, admitted accounts-rule breaches and failure to supervise; he was suspended for one year with practice restrictions recommended and ordered to pay £3,000 costs, not enforceable without Tribunal consent.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Diligence and timeliness
• Honour professional undertakings
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• First Respondent took more in drawings than the whole firm's gross fee income
• Substantial client account shortfall (minimum £360,714.52)
• Second Respondent effectively abandoned the practice while allowing his name to be held out as a partner
• Second Respondent failed to 'blow the whistle' after learning of the shortfall

Mitigating factors:

• Second Respondent admitted all allegations and apologised
• Second Respondent had confidence accounting systems were working; earlier PSU visit revealed nothing untoward
• Second Respondent ensured the First Respondent repaid the shortfall
• Second Respondent's drawings were minimal
• Positive testimonials for Second Respondent; without means at hearing

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["unverified_costs_amount=15000"]