Charles Edward Robert Christian Rhodes

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

The Respondent, an experienced solicitor and partner, was found to have misappropriated £266,875 from the estate of Mr BD over nine years, created 17 fake bills and a fictitious client ledger to conceal his wrongdoing (provided to both another firm of solicitors and the SRA), withdrawn £69,311.45 without proper bills, and overcharged three deceased estates. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved beyond reasonable doubt (applying Twinsectra) in respect of the misappropriation and the two false document allegations. All allegations were proved. Finding no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal ordered that the Respondent be struck off the Roll and pay agreed costs of £32,763.50.

Duties found breached:

• No abuse of process or coercive powers
• No taking unfair advantage
• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty
• Not an isolated incident - misconduct over approximately 12 years
• Deliberate and repeated overcharging of estates of deceased clients
• Misappropriation of over a quarter of a million pounds over nine years involving 38 transactions
• Deliberate concealment through creation of 17 fake bills and fictitious ledger
• Breach of position of trust as solicitor and executor, with a minor beneficiary
• Very experienced solicitor operating at partner level
• Significant harm to estates and beneficiaries, several not repaid

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters
• Repaid the estate of BD in full and attempting to repay others
• Genuine remorse and insight
• Attended hearing and took responsibility
• Difficult personal and health circumstances at the material time