Patrick Francis Collin

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

Patrick Francis Collin, a solicitor of nearly 30 years, admitted conduct unbefitting a solicitor for continuing to act in banking instrument and capital enhancement investment schemes between 1997 and 1999, despite a clear OSS warning letter of October 1996 and his written assurance that he would cease all involvement. He acted as a conduit for large sums and charged substantial fees, either failing to be alert or deliberately closing his eyes to suspicious features. Although suspicion of dishonesty had prompted intervention, the Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty; the Respondent was characterised as foolish and gullible. The Tribunal found the conduct so serious that the ultimate sanction was warranted, striking him off the Roll and ordering him to pay costs subject to detailed assessment unless agreed.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Acted after a clear and unambiguous warning from the OSS (17 October 1996 letter)
• Continued involvement after knowledge of the Law Society 'Yellow Card' warning on banking instrument fraud
• Experienced solicitor of 25 years, experienced in relevant area of law
• Deliberately involved himself in schemes that obviously could have been fraudulent
• Derived substantial fees from the transactions
• Breached the express assurance given to his regulatory body

Mitigating factors:

• Full admission of the allegation
• Strong testimonials and character witness (Mr Gareth Keene)
• No ultimate victim or successful fraud in the first four transactions; only one claim made and being defended
• Fees paid to the firm, not the Respondent personally; most funds in transaction 1 returned
• Long unblemished career of nearly 30 years
• Books were properly kept
• Respondent portrayed as credulous, vain and anxious to please rather than dishonest