Anil Bance & Davinder Singh Cheema

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

Two partners of Ascot and Chase Solicitors were found to have withdrawn client money improperly (75 round sum transfers totalling £188,780) to ease cash flow, failed to keep proper accounting records and reconciliations, and misused substantial mortgage advances in four property transactions in which they or their family were borrowers, leaving lender clients unsecured and in breach of undertakings. The Tribunal found both Respondents had acted dishonestly under the Twinsectra test in respect of the client account withdrawals and the property transactions (and alternatively grossly reckless). Both were struck off the Roll of Solicitors. Total costs of £16,085 were apportioned, with the First Respondent paying £5,360 and the Second Respondent £10,725.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Minimum cash shortage of £341,393.25 on client account
• Misuse of substantial mortgage advances for purposes other than intended, leaving lender clients unsecured
• Transfers from client to office account made to ease cash flow and avoid breaching office account overdraft limit
• Clear conflict of interest where Respondents/spouse were borrowers and firm acted for lenders
• Failure to register mortgages/remortgages at Land Registry in breach of undertakings
• Second Respondent failed to attend, denied all allegations and abdicated responsibility

Mitigating factors:

• First Respondent attended, showed remorse and provided some explanation
• First Respondent's character references from solicitor and Queens Counsel
• First Respondent's period of serious illness (approx two years) affecting management
• First Respondent cooperative and upfront about state of firm's books during investigation
• No previous disciplinary proceedings against either Respondent
• First Respondent's personal/financial difficulties and family circumstances