Michael Anthony Webster

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

Michael Anthony Webster, a solicitor and partner at Webster Dixon LLP, made five fraudulent transactions from client account totalling £75,605.27 over eleven days after a client loan failed. He was convicted at the Central Criminal Court on his own confession of dishonestly making false representation and sentenced to 8 months imprisonment, compensation of £48,605.57, victim surcharge, and two-year directors' disqualification. The SDT found breaches of Principles 1, 2 and 6, which he admitted. Finding dishonesty and no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £2,000.

Duties found breached:

• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Criminal conviction for fraud (dishonest false representation)
• Abuse of position of trust as solicitor and as compliance officer for finance and administration
• Multiple frauds - five fraudulent transactions over eleven days totalling £75,605.27
• Media coverage damaging reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all allegations
• Expressed remorse and regret
• No previous disciplinary matters
• Glowing references/testimonials
• Partial repayment of £27,000