Richard Edward Buxton

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

Richard Edward Buxton, a sole director solicitor, misappropriated £211,370 from the estate of a deceased client of which he was executor, transferring it to a Swiss account for a BVI 'charity' he controlled, then taking £47,017.77 for personal and business use including credit card debts and a car. He returned the capital before the FIU investigation but failed to account for lost interest and failed to produce required account statements. He admitted dishonesty. The Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £1,884.68.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Abuse of position of trust as executor/trustee of an estate
• Set up a BVI 'charity' and Swiss bank account to facilitate transfers
• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal
• Loss of interest to the estate not accounted for

Mitigating factors:

• Returned all capital funds to client account by 19 June 2008, making up shortfall from personal resources
• Admitted dishonesty and expressed remorse ('I am truly sorry for my dishonesty')
• Countermanded a further transfer request after staff raised concerns
• Severe depression and dire financial circumstances; undischarged bankrupt on benefits