Geoffrey John Haworth
Allegation / charges
Others
Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision
Geoffrey John Haworth, a family law solicitor admitted in 1989, admitted preparing/submitting false applications to the LSC across several client matters (Ms F, Mrs T, Mr S, Mrs Q) — including false statements on costs extension applications and altering dates on file notes/claim forms — and falsely amending the date on client Mrs P's witness statement from 7 July 2003 to 7 July 2004 before submitting it to court without her consent. He admitted his conduct was dishonest, and the Tribunal made an express finding of dishonesty. Despite significant mitigation (overwhelming workload, unsupportive employer, bereavement, full cooperation, strong testimonials, no financial gain intended), and the Tribunal's view that he posed no threat to the public, applying Bolton v Law Society the Tribunal struck him off and ordered costs of £5,000 (inclusive of VAT). The Tribunal encouraged the Law Society to favourably consider any application for him to be employed within the profession.
Duties found breached:
Aggravating factors:
- Dishonesty admitted by the Respondent and expressly found by the Tribunal
- Multiple instances across several client matters
- Amended a client's witness statement and submitted it to court without the client's consent
- Knew what he was doing was wrong
Mitigating factors:
- Full admission of allegations and dishonesty
- Full cooperation with the Law Society and frank evidence
- Considerable pressure of work carrying workload of about three solicitors
- Unsupportive and unapproachable employer
- Serious bereavement (death of mother) and stress-related illness
- No intention to extract financial gain for himself or the firm
- Excellent testimonials attesting to competence and integrity
- Working satisfactorily since the events with support of current employers
- Not considered to pose a threat to the public