David Roy Southan Daykin

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

The Respondent, a sole practitioner admitted in 1977, was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor on eight particulars, including failing/delaying to comply with multiple OSS compensation directions (to Mrs R, Miss B, Mr H and Miss J), abandoning his practice (leading to intervention on 24 May 2002), persistently failing to reply to OSS and other correspondence, failing to account to a former client for £4,000 in damages, and failing to comply with a Section 44B order. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated. This was his third appearance before the Tribunal (previous penalties of £1,000 in 2000 and £3,000 in 2001). Noting his apparent decline and ill health but the need to protect the public, and expressly finding no dishonesty, the Tribunal suspended him indefinitely, ordered costs of £9,058.37, and directed the IPS resolutions be enforceable as High Court orders.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No conflict between current clients
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Prompt accounting and return of money