Christopher John Savage

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

Christopher John Savage, an assistant solicitor admitted in 1985, forged the signatures of two sets of clients on mortgage deeds and was convicted of two counts of procuring execution of valuable security by deception, having presented unauthorised charity cheques while treasurer. He admitted the facts and dishonesty and did not contest the allegations. The Tribunal found both allegations substantiated with dishonesty and struck him off the Roll, ordering him to pay £785 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Financial dishonesty against a charity
• Breach of trust as treasurer of the organisation
• Custodial sentence imposed (28 days imprisonment)

Mitigating factors:

• History of clinical depression
• Pressure of work
• Full admission of facts and dishonesty