SHORROCKS:LAWYER WHO LEFT 1,200 FILES LITTERED AROUND OFFICE STRUCK OFF
A solicitor left his practice with 1,200 confidential files littered around the building was struck off today (Tues).
Investigators took over the offices David Shorrocks, 55, after he repeatedly breached rules covering solicitors’ accounts.
Files were found in the attic, basement and in eight filing cabinets at the offices of Shorrocks and Co in Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, north Yorks, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard.
Mr David Bullock, for the Solicitors Regulation Authority said: ‘The computers used in the office were gone, but the files were still there.
‘It looked as though someone had just done a tidy up before leaving the premises.’
The hearing was told there was a ‘mishmash of papers’ left in the cellar after the business folded.
Shorrocks had previously been suspended indefinitely after he failed to file his accountants’ reports.
His books for 2008 are still overdue and investigators do not know where £91,000 of client money has been deposited.
Shorrocks, whose last know address was Cleveland Way, Carlton Minniot, north Yorks, has informed the authorities he is waiting for a new trustee to take over responsibility of the money.
‘Without up to date books of account, we have no way of knowing where this money is,’ said Mr Bullock.
‘We have at least £91,000 or client money last known to be in the hands of Mr Shorrocks, the whereabouts of which are currently unknown.’
Shorrocks did not appear at the hearing and two charges were found against him – failing to keep his books properly written up and failing to securely store archive files.
He has been before the tribunal twice before – the last time for failing to file his accounts on time.
Mr Bullock told the hearing: ‘There was, if I recall some correspondence which suggests he wishes to become a teacher, but whether anything came of that I do not know.’
Tribunal chairman Derek Green said: ‘We have looked at the two previous findings. We have noted that the respondent was dealt with fairly for what we see as a pattern of breaching of the accounts rules.
‘The public needs to be protected and so does the reputation of the profession.’
In addition to the striking off order, Shorrocks was ordered to pay costs of £2,881.
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