Phillip John Griffiths

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

Solicitor Phillip John Griffiths was convicted at Warwick Crown Court of failing to make a required disclosure under s330(1) Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, sentenced to 15 months (reduced to 6 months on appeal). The Tribunal found the allegation substantiated (uncontested). It was found only that he had reasonable grounds for knowledge or suspicion, not actual knowledge, and no dishonesty was found. Given the seriousness of the money laundering conviction and duty to protect the public and profession's reputation, he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £2,350 (fixed at £2,000 plus VAT).

Duties found breached:

• Self-report to the regulator

Aggravating factors:

• Money laundering related conviction damaging the reputation of the profession
• Prior notice of police concerns (served with Drug Trafficking Production Order in 2002) yet proceeded with transfer of property at gross undervalue

Mitigating factors:

• Previously distinguished and unblemished career
• Offence was not one of dishonesty (acquitted of actual knowledge charge)
• Personal, health and financial hardship suffered by Respondent and family
• Charitable work for prisoners' families since release
• Complied with Law Society 'Green Card' guidance at the time