Peter John Cale

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

This was the Applicant's own application to determine (lift) an indefinite suspension imposed in October 2011 for accounts breaches and failure to respond to correspondence, misconduct that the Tribunal expressly noted did NOT involve dishonesty or lack of integrity and caused no client loss. The underlying misconduct had been linked to the Applicant's then-undiagnosed Major Depressive Disorder. Medical evidence (Dr Rouncefield's 2015 report) showed full recovery with insight into warning signs. The SRA was neutral. The Tribunal was satisfied that lifting the suspension would not adversely affect the profession's reputation or the public interest, and granted the application subject to conditions barring sole/partnership practice and holding client money. The Applicant was ordered to pay costs of £2,049.00.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• Report serious misconduct of others

Mitigating factors:

• More than four years already served under suspension
• Misconduct did not involve dishonesty or lack of integrity
• No loss caused to any client; no client complaints about service
• All allegations admitted in the original proceedings
• Full and sustained recovery from the depressive illness that caused the misconduct, supported by medical evidence
• Applicant demonstrated insight into warning signs and triggers; no medication needed for almost a year
• Positive attitude towards re-training; presented his case well