Peter William Silver

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

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal (Jan 1999 fine of £3,000 for failure to file Accountant's Reports; Nov 1999 reprimand for delay in paying expert's costs and failure to respond to OSS correspondence)
• Failure to take a more active role in the running of his practice

Mitigating factors:

• Allegations admitted and not contested
• No dishonesty alleged or found
• Exceptional and tragic circumstances relating to his partner Mr Spencer (alcohol/drug problems, misappropriation of fees, and suicide in December 2000)
• Circumstances beyond his control greatly exacerbated matters
• Respondent became physically and psychiatrically unwell
• High professional standing as a respected criminal practitioner
• Respondent had stopped practising and had no plans to seek a practising certificate