Belinda Owusuah Sarkodie

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

A solicitor admitted in 2020 worked simultaneously for three firms (PLS and W&L as a locum, and Muve in a substantive full-time role) during an overlapping period from 29 June to 16 July 2021. The Tribunal found she submitted timesheets to PLS and W&L claiming payment for the same hours on the same dates, while employed full time by Muve, and that this was dishonest by the standards of ordinary decent people (Ivey test). It rejected her explanation that the timesheets reflected task-based work. The Tribunal also found she misled Muve by allowing it to believe she was working full time and solely for it, contrary to her contract's exclusivity clause, rejecting her claim that the breach was inadvertent. All allegations, including dishonesty, were proved. With no exceptional circumstances, she was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £8,891.50.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Finding of dishonesty
• Conduct was deliberate and repeated
• Motivated by financial gain
• Took unfair advantage of employers
• Blamed others (recruitment consultants and firms) for her conduct
• Demonstrated limited insight

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished career / no prior disciplinary findings
• Medical evidence regarding her health at the material time