David Charles Woodman

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

David Charles Woodman, a sole practitioner, abandoned his practice in November 1991 with a client account shortfall of about £39,000 and was made bankrupt. He failed to comply with the Solicitors' Accounts Rules and utilised client money for his own purposes. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated and that he had behaved in an entirely dishonourable manner, but made no express finding of dishonesty. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £642.40. He did not appear.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Abandoned practice with shortfall on client account of approximately £39,000
• No explanation whatsoever given
• Bankruptcy order and total deficiency of £196,795
• Substantial claims on Compensation Fund (£210,933.74 granted plus £69,271.28 pending)