Nicholas Charles Stansfield Goddard

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

The Respondent, a Recognised Sole Practitioner, improperly transferred a minimum of £77,387 from client account to office account over eight months (35 transactions) to keep his firm afloat, failing to pay clients monies due to them, including £73,500 remaining of £88,500 owed to Ms AK, plus £2,887 to Ms SB and £1,000 to Ms FR. He also failed to remedy the shortage, failed to keep proper accounting records, and failed to notify the SRA of his bankruptcy. The Tribunal found all allegations proved, including dishonesty (both objective and subjective Twinsectra tests). Despite substantial mitigation, no exceptional circumstances were found. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £5,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Segregate client money
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Self-report to the regulator

Aggravating factors:

• Proven and admitted dishonesty
• Deliberate, calculated conduct over 8 months involving 35 separate transactions
• Breach of position of trust as experienced practitioner
• Took advantage of vulnerable client and concealed receipt of her damages
• Significant harm to Ms AK (property transaction fell through, exacerbated medical condition) and to reputation of profession

Mitigating factors:

• Previous unblemished career of nearly 25 years
• Early admissions and full co-operation with the FIO
• Genuine insight and remorse
• Numerous testimonials from eminent legal professionals
• Suffering from Adjustment Disorder with anxiety and depression at the time
• Extremely difficult personal circumstances (acrimonious divorce, seriously ill partner, loss of major client, HMRC demands)