Derrick French

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

Duties found breached:

• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Repeat offending - previously before the Tribunal in 2004 and 2005 for similar allegations
• Failed to heed prior warnings, including an express 2005 warning that future similar allegations would put his ability to practise seriously in doubt
• Did not comply with important regulatory requirements

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent had been seriously ill and suffered a phobia of opening official correspondence, receiving medication and therapy
• No client had complained about his work
• No insurance notification or claim ever required and no Accountant's Report had been qualified
• Accountant's Reports were eventually filed, albeit late
• Closed his practice in September 2006