P A Holt

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

Peter Alexander Holt, a partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, systematically submitted about 271 false expenses claims and 22 improper travel requests between 2008 and 2012, totalling around £8,054 admitted (up to £10,781.53 identified), some of which (£357.19) were charged to clients. He admitted all allegations and dishonesty. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved under the Twinsectra test, and finding no exceptional circumstances, struck him off the Roll and ordered agreed costs of £5,000.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty admitted
• Actions well thought out involving presentation of receipts and drafting emails
• Deliberate and calculated conduct repeated over a period of about three years (271 false claims out of 571)
• Concealed wrongdoing until discovered
• Only made full admissions when confronted with mass of evidence
• Breach of position of trust harming firm and clients
• Derived personal benefit

Mitigating factors:

• Full and frank admissions once discovered and self-reported to the SRA
• Cooperated fully after discovery
• Displayed insight
• Repaid money soon after discovery
• Difficult personal circumstances and potential depression (supported by psychiatric report)
• Positive testimonials