A Co Dublin solicitor was struck off the Law Society's roll of solicitors by the High Court yesterday and directed to "make restitution" of €414,596 to the society.
Mr Michael Owens, of Woodlands Drive, Cabinteely, who traded at Lower Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin, was struck off arising out of findings by the society of dishonesty in connection with his practice in relation to the misappropriation of substantial clients' monies and the falsification of books of account.
Ms Joan O'Neill, the society's solicitor, told the president of the High Court, Mr Justice Finnegan, that it was one of the most serious cases in the society's history. The court was informed the society had received claims on its Compensation Fund totalling £909,735 and paid out a total of £494,893.
Counsel for Mr Owens said his client suffered from ill health and had handed over to the society everything in which he held a legitimate interest.
Mr Justice Finnegan, making his order, said a solicitor's reputation and integrity were his most important assets. When the matter had come to a head, Mr Owens had assisted the society's investigation, had disposed of all his assets and had made such restitution as he could, the judge said.
The president added that he has some sympathy for Mr Owens because of his health, his family circumstances and the difficulty of making a living. He hoped the society would act in a compassionate way.
Among its submissions, the society found Mr Owens had been guilty of misconduct in his practice by utilising clients' monies to fund the day-to-day running of his practice and for his personal expenditure.