Martyn Wright

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

Martyn Wright, a sole practitioner at Wright & Morton in Sunderland, was found to have committed serious regulatory breaches including abandoning his practice, leaving it without supervision (only a receptionist present), failing to co-operate with the SRA, failing to account to a client for interest on client account monies, and failing to deliver accountant's reports. He admitted all allegations and did not attend. The Tribunal found all allegations proved and, finding him not fit to practise, ordered indefinite suspension effective 14 September 2010, recommending it continue until the outstanding accountant's reports were filed. Costs were ordered subject to detailed assessment if not agreed (schedule was £2,097.07 but not served on the Respondent). No dishonesty was expressly found.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Proper termination and return of instructions
• No conflict between current clients
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Account for interest on client money
• Competence
• Supervise staff and delegated work

Aggravating factors:

• Abandoned practice leaving clients at risk
• Prevented SRA from carrying out its regulatory function
• Left practice without proper supervision, only receptionist in attendance
• Refused to attend inspection of books of account
• Damaged reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all allegations and did not contest proceedings
• No previous disciplinary sanctions