Andrew Craig Larman

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

Andrew Craig Larman, admitted 1981, practised at Williams Mann in Bristol. An investigation revealed he had drawn client account cheques for personal use, including school fees and personal payments, and made false accounting entries to conceal them, creating a minimum client account shortage of £8,350. He utilised clients' funds for his own purposes and for other clients. The Tribunal found a calculated course of dishonesty. He did not attend, and his adjournment application was refused. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £882 plus Investigation Accountant costs to be taxed.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Calculated course of dishonesty
• Made false accounting entries to conceal personal payments and misuse of funds
• Used client funds for personal expenses including son's school fees
• Abused trust clients placed in him regarding safekeeping of monies
• Likely claims on Solicitors Indemnity Fund around £27,000

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the facts
• Partially rectified the shortage with £1,000 transfer and £3,200 from personal resources