Alan Charles Crickmore

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

Alan Charles Crickmore, a sole practitioner solicitor and former Coroner, was found to have overcharged clients (£533,864 re KLG at 457% and £176,478 re CW at 929%), made improper transfers from client account, misappropriated client funds, and taken unauthorised unsecured loans from client estates to fund a lifestyle beyond his means, over a period from 1998 to 2009/2010. A cash shortage of £749,147.59 was identified. He was subsequently convicted at Southwark Crown Court of theft, fraud by abuse of position and dishonesty offences and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment. The Tribunal made express findings of dishonesty applying the Twinsectra test. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £66,448.68. The hearing proceeded in his absence as he was serving his sentence and had confirmed he would not attend.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• No taking unfair advantage
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest conduct sustained over more than 10 years
• Overcharging to an extraordinary degree (457% and 929%)
• Misuse of client money to fund lifestyle he could not afford and to keep ailing practice afloat
• Steps taken to conceal wrongdoing including creating false records
• Breach of trust as solicitor, trustee, attorney and executor
• Experienced solicitor who held a judicial appointment (Coroner)
• Substantial harm caused to vulnerable clients and to reputation of the profession
• Criminal conviction resulting in 8 years imprisonment

Mitigating factors:

• Made admissions before the hearing