Date
28 March 2017
Allegations
Allegation 1
Joni Parrington, upon her own admission was convicted and sentenced to 38 months imprisonment on 22 May 2015 at the Crown Court sitting in Lewis of three criminal offences namely:
• Two counts of dishonestly mak[ing] false representation to make gain for self/another or cause loss to other/expose other to risk;
• Three counts of fraud by abuse of position; and
• Acquire/use/possess criminal property.
The particulars of the criminal conduct were the misappropriation of £105,000.00 from four client matters. The transactions identified took place between November 2013 and December 2013. She thereby breached Principle 2 of the CILEx Code of Conduct 2015 which requires members to maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct.
Allegation 2
The Solicitors Regulation Authority found that Joni Parrington is or was involved in a legal practice (as defined by section 43 (1A) of the Solicitors Act 1974) but is not a solicitor and has been convicted of a criminal offence which is such that in the opinion of the Society it would be undesirable for her to be involved in a legal practice. She thereby breached Principle 2 of the CILEx Code of Conduct 2015 which requires members to maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct.
Outcome
Joni Parrington admitted the misconduct and a Determination by Consent was agreed between CILEx Regulation and Ms Parrington.
Sanction – Indefinite exclusion
Joni Parrington agreed to be excluded from CILEx for an indefinite period of time and not to apply for re-instatement before 10 years have passed.
