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 committed widespread and prolonged breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules, including improper transfers from client account, gross overcharging (457% in the KLG estate and 929% in the CW matter), misappropriation of client funds, unauthorised unsecured borrowing from clients, and acting in conflict of interest. He was also convicted on his own confession at Southwark Crown Court of theft, fraud by abuse of position and dishonest false representation, and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment. The Tribunal made express findings of dishonesty applying the Twinsectra test, finding conduct over more than 10 years involving roughly £1.8 million of client money. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £66,448.68.

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
• Misuse of client money to fund a lifestyle beyond his means
• Created false records to conceal wrongdoing
• Breach of trust as solicitor, trustee, attorney and executor
• Held judicial appointment as Coroner
• Substantial harm to multiple vulnerable clients (some grieving) and to estates
• Overcharging of 457% (KLG) and 929% (CW)
• Convicted and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment
• Total of approximately £1.8 million taken; cash shortage of £749,147.59

Mitigating factors:

• Made admissions before the hearing