Blessing Ringwede Odatuwa

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

Sole practitioner solicitor at Sharpfields & Co found to have engaged in an unusual type of conveyancing where vendor clients accepted less than the stated sale price, with the difference (£28,000-£69,000 per transaction, totalling £304,458.63) paid to third parties (F1, CL, WB). The Tribunal, applying the Twinsectra test, found the transactions bore clear hallmarks of mortgage fraud and that the Respondent knowingly acted dishonestly for his own and his firm's profit by creating misleading documents and proceeding despite the apparent dishonesty. Also found to have provided misleading information on disbursements, failed to provide insurance information, conducted unauthorised insurance work, used client account without underlying legal transaction, and failed to advise clients. All seven allegations proven, express finding of dishonesty made. Struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £15,000 costs (not enforceable without leave).

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No improper use of client money
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Truthful, non-misleading advertising
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Knowingly acted dishonestly for the profit of himself and his firm
• Proceeded with transactions that objectively appeared dishonest and bore clear hallmarks of mortgage fraud
• Created authority letters designed only to protect his own position with the regulator
• Totally disregarded clients' interests, exposing them to risk
• Acted in breach of clients' instructions by paying WB when only authorised to pay F1
• 20-30 such transactions undertaken

Mitigating factors:

• Clean sets of accounts in 2008 and 2009
• No serious complaints made against him
• No previous disciplinary sanctions
• Believed transactions were proper at the time
• Ceased the telegraphic transfer fee practice as soon as it was drawn to his attention
• Difficult financial circumstances (unemployed, mortgage arrears)