S Dhama & Others

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

Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal decision (heard 20-21 July 2010) concerning Dhama Douglas. First Respondent Satya Prakash Dhama faced 44 allegations; all proved save allegations 12 and 30, including Accounts Rules breaches, facilitating transactions bearing hallmarks of banking/mortgage/property fraud and money laundering, employing a struck-off solicitor, conflicts of interest, breaches of numerous undertakings, and failures to comply with Adjudicator awards. No express finding of dishonesty was made; the Tribunal found his practice was out of control with total disregard for the rules. He was struck off and ordered to pay 80% of costs (not enforceable without leave). The Third Respondent was found liable for breaches occurring after he became a partner (23 January 2006) and was fined £7,500 plus 20% of costs. The Second Respondent gave lifetime undertakings not to practise and paid £20,000 costs; his allegations were left on file. Various Adjudicator directions were made enforceable as High Court orders.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Report serious misconduct of others
• Honour professional undertakings
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Previous appearance before the Tribunal for similar Accounts Rules breaches
• Numerous allegations showing practice was out of control and total disregard for regulations
• Harm caused to members of the public/clients
• Failure to honour undertakings relied upon by the profession
• Multiple unpaid Adjudicator awards for inadequate professional services
• Failure to comply with Tribunal's previous orders to file witness statements
• Slow to acknowledge responsibilities and put matters right

Mitigating factors:

• Mr Dhama's poor health and severe depression
• Elderly and frail pensioner near insolvency
• Had not renewed practising certificate and volunteered to be removed from the Roll
• Third Respondent's junior role and late partnership (from Jan 2006)