Mark Grenville
Davies
Solicitor
131702
Decision - Prosecution
Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
Outcome date: 6 March 2025
Published date: 3 July 2025
Firm details
Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome
Name: Bennett Richmond Solicitors
Address(es): 33 Front Street, Consett DH8 5AB
Firm ID: 662863
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:-
- Between approximately 17 January 2022 and 12 May 2023, he made or allowed to be made improper withdrawals across 38 invoices from 10 client matters, resulting in a minimum shortage on the firm's client account.
- Failed to replace the minimum shortage outlined at allegation 1 promptly, or at all.
- Between October 2012 and July 2022, on five probate matters, failed to notify the executors of costs prior to transferring funds, or at all.
- Between approximately 31 December 2015 and 28 April 2023, caused or allowed the firm to overcharge the estates of two individuals (deceased), of which he was an executor.
The allegations are subject to a Hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.
Decision - Closure
Outcome: Intervention
Outcome date: 13 June 2023
Published date: 14 June 2023
Firm details
Firm or organisation at date of publication and at time of matters giving rise to outcome
Name: Bennett Richmond
Address(es): 33 Front Street, Consett, DH8 5AB
Firm ID: 662863
Outcome details
This outcome was reached by SRA decision.
Decision details
To intervene into the practice of Mark Davies at Bennett Richmond.
Reasons/basis
- The panel is satisfied that it is necessary to intervene to protect the interests of clients (or former or potential clients) of Mr Davies (paragraph 1(1)(m) of Schedule 1 to the Solicitors Act 1974 (as amended)), and;
- The panel is satisfied there is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Mr Davies in connection with his practice at the firm (paragraph 1(1)(a)(i) of Schedule 1 to the Solicitors Act 1974 (as amended))
Intervening agents
John Owen of Gordons LLP, 1 New Augustus Street, Bradford, BD1 5LL has been appointed as the intervening agent.
For enquiries please call 0113 227 0391 or email intervention@gordonsllp.com