Martyn Slocombe

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

Sole practitioner solicitor found to have committed multiple Solicitors Accounts Rules breaches, used £33,425.11 of client money to pay his personal tax bill (found dishonest under Twinsectra test), left significant client account shortages, and was convicted of nine VAT Act offences linked to his practice. The Tribunal made an express finding of dishonesty and struck him off the Roll, ordering him to pay costs of £16,682.55 despite his bankruptcy.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Diligence and timeliness

Aggravating factors:

• Very experienced solicitor who knew fundamental rule against using client money
• Significant client account shortage (£94,593.02 at intervention)
• Aware of shortages for several years but failed to rectify
• Conviction linked to professional practice
• Client monies not replaced

Mitigating factors:

• Expressed remorse, shame and apology
• No previous disciplinary matters
• Breaches occurred during difficult financial period
• Sought to keep staff employed and keep practice surviving
• Bank had withdrawn facilities adding to pressures