Gary Paul Leech

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

Gary Paul Leech, a sole practitioner conveyancer trading as GPL@Law, abandoned his practice in December 2008 leading to SRA intervention. The Tribunal found five allegations proved: failure to cooperate with the SRA, failure to produce practice documents (client ledgers, missing files), failure to undertake post completion conveyancing work (unpaid SDLT and Land Registry registrations for three clients), improper withdrawals from client account, and failure to deliver an Accountant's Report. He made 104 round sum transfers totalling £130,600 (mostly to office account), leaving only £12.48 in client account. The Tribunal made an express finding of dishonesty under the Twinsectra test. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £12,440.27, not enforceable without leave given his financial circumstances (state benefits, no assets).

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Safeguard documents and limit liens

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest use of client funds
• Client account depleted to £12.48 at intervention
• 104 round sum transfers totalling £130,600 with funds not traced
• Made untrue statement to SRA that client account had been closed on 13 December 2008
• Claim on compensation fund of approximately £55,000
• Abandoned practice leaving clients' interests unprotected
• Failed to respond to numerous SRA communications

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary sanctions