Kevin Gordon Jones

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

Kevin Gordon Jones, a solicitor employed at Sheffield City Council's legal department, fabricated two letters purporting to come from another firm of solicitors (Graysons), placed them on files to inflate the quantum of a personal injury claim, and submitted a false cheque requisition for £19,350 payable to 'Susan Jones' (his wife's middle name). The Tribunal found dishonesty in relation to allegations i) and ii), accepted by the Respondent, while allegation iii) was not put on the basis of dishonesty. The Tribunal found dishonesty had been alleged and accepted, ordered the Respondent struck off the Roll and to pay costs of £923.00.

Duties found breached:

• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Fabricated two letters purporting to come from another firm of solicitors
• Created a false file record which could have evidential value
• Cheque requisition made payable to a name (Susan Jones) matching his wife's middle name

Mitigating factors:

• Personal difficulties at the time including job, health issues and marriage breakdown
• Claimed motive was to expose deficiencies in the Council's procedures (whistle-blowing)
• Admitted the conduct and did not contest the allegations
• Apologised for his actions
• Voluntary work and personal circumstances