Peter John Blacklock

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

Peter John Blacklock, a sole practitioner, admitted six allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor, including dishonestly withdrawing and misappropriating client funds. Over a two-year period he used client money (totalling a shortage of £149,862.03) for personal expenses such as school fees, car repairs, VAT, mortgage arrears and overdraft reduction, failed to keep proper accounts or reconciliations, and failed to honour a conveyancing undertaking. The Tribunal found dishonesty and described it as one of the worst cases before it. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £5,621.10.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Systematic theft of client money over a two-year period
• Used client funds for personal expenses including school fees, car repairs, VAT liability, mortgage arrears and overdraft
• Actively misled clients to perpetuate the situation
• Described by Tribunal as one of the worst cases before it
• Minimum cash shortage on client account of £149,862.03

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all allegations including dishonesty
• Cooperated fully with the SRA investigation
• Character reference from previous employer
• Difficulties traced to failed business venture and personal indebtedness
• Attempted to recover outstanding bills to reduce loss to Compensation Fund
• Reported a suspected mortgage fraud to the mortgage company despite offer of large fees