Robert Warren Heatley

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

Robert Warren Heatley, an assistant solicitor at Redferns, failed to pay £16,250 of client money from 27 clients into client account and instead used the funds for his own purposes, manipulating accounting records (including creating differing cash account versions, e.g. concealing £900 from Mr and Mrs C) and engaging in 'teeming and lading'. He admitted misappropriation and dishonesty in interview, citing personal problems, drink, cocaine and gambling. He failed to respond to the SRA. The Tribunal, applying the Twinsectra test, found all allegations proven beyond reasonable doubt and made an express finding of dishonesty. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £7,651.07, not to be enforced without leave of the Tribunal. The shortage was rectified by the firm, with his father contributing £14,744.61.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty over numerous transactions involving 27 clients
• Manipulation of accounting records and teeming and lading to conceal shortfall
• Failed to respond to or cooperate with the SRA
• Did not attend the hearing or file any response

Mitigating factors:

• Compliant and made full admissions during the FIO interview
• Personal problems including access to his daughters, drink and cocaine use, and gambling
• Reported being 'clean' for 30 days and attending Cocaine Anonymous
• Shortage rectified (father contributed £14,744.61)