Richard Harbord
Solicitor
224014

Decision - Prosecution

Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

Outcome date: 6 December 2023

Published date: 24 April 2024

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: McGlinchey & Co & Harbord & Co

Address(es): The Atrium, 4 Curtis Road, Dorking RH4 1XA

Firm ID: 512174 & 471544

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Reasons/basis

This notification relates to a Decision to prosecute before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. This is an independent Tribunal which will reach its own decision after considering all the evidence, including any evidence put forward by the Solicitor.  The Tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer in respect of allegations which are or include that, while in practice as a Partner at McGlinchey & Co ('Firm 1') and as a sole practitioner in Harbord & Co ('Firm 2'):- 

1.  Between approximately July 2017 and December 2020, he used, or allowed the use of, Firm 1's client account as a banking facility in relation to the proceeds of sale of two properties for which he was the client. 

2. He failed to obtain and/or deliver Accountants' Reports in accordance with the requirement to do so within six months at the end of the accounting period for; 

2.1 any or all of the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 accounting periods relating to Firm 1 

2.2 any or all of the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 accounting periods relating to Firm 2 

3. Between 8 November 2020 and at least 31 August 2023, he failed to adequately cooperate with, and respond to, the SRA's enquiries and requests in respect of the provision of Accountants' Reports for Firm 1 and Firm 2 

4. By reason of the matters set out above or any of them in his capacity as the Firm's Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA), he failed to ensure or take adequate steps to ensure compliance with the Firm's regulatory obligations under the 2011 Accounts Rules and/or the 2019 Accounts Rules.        

The allegations are subject to a Hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.