Neal Simmons

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Respondent, a solicitor employed by East Hertfordshire District Council, was convicted at Guildford Crown Court of two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation (relating to a personal injury claim and a road traffic accident insurance claim), receiving suspended prison sentences, unpaid work and a compensation order. She admitted the disciplinary allegation of breaching integrity and public trust principles by virtue of her convictions. The Tribunal treated these as dishonesty offences and, finding no exceptional circumstances and indeed aggravating features, struck her off the Roll and ordered agreed costs of £1,325.21.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Conspiracy involving a member of the public
• Offences were planned
• Offences were repeated
• Committed for personal gain

Mitigating factors:

• Self-reported to the SRA
• Full cooperation with police and SRA
• Suffering from postnatal depression at the time affecting judgment
• Relatively inexperienced
• Character references provided
• Offences not committed in course of employment
• Out of character conduct