John Richard Ingham

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

John Richard Ingham, a solicitor admitted in 1968, admitted dishonestly misappropriating clients' funds (probate matters) totalling at least £380,764 and up to nearly £750,000 over a number of years starting around 1991. He made full restitution and did not attend the hearing, accepting the case was indefensible. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated, including express dishonesty, and struck him off the Roll, ordering him to pay agreed costs of £8,000.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Staggering level of dishonesty over a period of years
• Sums misappropriated ranged from £380,000 to nearly £750,000
• Breach of trust of clients and partners
• Held out as an upright and honest senior member of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Made full restitution and insurers dealt with compensation to those affected
• Admitted the misconduct and accepted the inevitable sanction
• Long career of hard work and good service