Michael Howard Gledhill Taylor

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

The respondent, a sole practitioner admitted in 1964, was convicted in September 1996 at Kingston-upon-Hull Crown Court of making a false statement to defraud the Public Revenue by fraudulently undervaluing an estate for which he was executor and beneficiary. He was sentenced to nine months imprisonment and a £20,000 fine. He did not attend the disciplinary hearing. The Tribunal found the allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor substantiated, noting he had earlier (1994) been suspended indefinitely on health grounds. Given the serious dishonesty committed while practising, the Tribunal ordered him struck off the Roll and to pay costs of £1,341.90.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty

Aggravating factors:

• Serious dishonesty perpetrated whilst practising as a solicitor
• Convicted at Crown Court, sentenced to nine months imprisonment and a £20,000 fine
• Clever deception designed to prevent tracing of funds and evade duty of over £40,000
• Motivated by greed