John Gregory Hardman

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

John Gregory Hardman, admitted 1978 and sole practitioner, misappropriated client funds totalling around £47,075 held for client F, concealing it via improper inter-ledger transfers to unconnected clients (AV and DB) and made-up bills. He made 15 improper client-to-office transfers totalling £52,552.43, failed to remedy a cash shortage exceeding £102,354.22, and deliberately misled client F about monies supposedly held on deposit. The Tribunal found all allegations proved and, applying Twinsectra, found dishonesty proved. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £10,285.46 (subject to detailed assessment, not enforceable without leave of the Tribunal given his bankruptcy).

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Concealed misappropriation by processing client-to-client transfers between unconnected clients
• Issued unjustified/made-up bills to hide use of client money
• Admitted being 'sneaky'
• Deliberately misled clients requesting return of their funds
• Total cash shortage exceeded £102,300, still existing at intervention

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished record since admission in 1978
• Firm in serious financial difficulties
• Expressed shame and sorrow
• Adjudged bankrupt on 22 December 2010
• Cooperated and did not dispute the allegations
• Made some partial repayments to client F