Roseanne Ebun Tugbobo

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

Roseanne Ebun Tugbobo, a solicitor practising at Thomas Rose solicitors, faced eight allegations including failure to produce accounting records, improper withdrawal of client funds, using client funds for own or others' benefit, misappropriation of client funds, writing a misleading letter, breach of undertaking, and failure to file an Accountant's Report. Nearly £1m in mortgage advance funds from the Woolwich/Barclays went unaccounted for. She admitted all allegations and admitted dishonesty on allegations 3-6. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved under the Twinsectra test and ordered her struck off the Roll and to pay £5,000 costs (reduced from £8,506.44 given her means).

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Nearly £1m of client monies had disappeared; £757,479.22 owed to lender client
• Misled solicitors acting for Barclays about ability to remit funds
• Knew her actions were dishonest at the relevant times

Mitigating factors:

• Full and frank admissions including admission of dishonesty
• Expressed deep shame and remorse
• Serious illness/poor health
• Claimed no personal gain and asserted she was manipulated by client while vulnerable
• Cooperative with proceedings