Elizabeth Forrest
Solicitor
015288

Decision - Prosecution

Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

Outcome date: 17 April 2025

Published date: 18 September 2025

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Meikles Solicitors LLP

Address(es): 2 Clyde Terrace, Spennymoor , County Durham DL16 7SE

Firm ID: 620405

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:-

1. Between 16 June 2006 and 13 May 2015, while acting as Receiver and/or Deputy in relation to the Property and financial affairs of her client, Client A, under a Court of Protection Order, she failed to protect the interests of Client A and comply with the requirements of the Court of Protection Order in that she:

 1.1. Failed to transfer or take any adequate steps to transfer of title of the Property into Client A's name when directed to do so by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG); and/or

1.2. Failed to address concerns regarding the tenancy at the Property and take steps to ensure the tenancy was placed on a formal footing when directed to do so by the OPG; and/or

1.3. Failed to take adequate steps to ensure that Client A benefitted from the property rental payments.

Between 15 May 2015 and 21 September 2022, while acting as Receiver and/or Deputy in relation to the property and financial affairs of her client, Client A, under a Court of Protection Order, she failed to protect the interests of Client A and comply with the requirements of the Court of Protection Order in that she:

2.1 Failed to transfer or take any adequate steps to the effect the transfer of title of The Property into Client A's name; and/or

2.2 Failed to take adequate steps to commence proceedings for breach of trust.

Between 16 June 2006 and 15 June 2022, while acting as Receiver and/or Deputy in relation to the property and financial affairs of her client, Client A, under a Court of Protection Order, she submitted annual reports to the OPG signed with a statement of truth knowing that the contents of the reports were incomplete and/or inaccurate.

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