Guy Richard Charles Bailey

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

Guy Richard Charles Bailey, sole director of Reward Litigation Limited, faced six allegations relating to extensive breaches of the accounts rules (failure to keep cashbook, reconciliations and proper records since the firm began trading), failure to deliver accountants' reports, failure to comply with practising certificate conditions, operating without an approved COLP/COFA, abandoning his practice, and failing to attend court to represent a client. The firm was intervened on 10 September 2013. The Respondent did not attend the hearing. The Tribunal found all allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt, finding lack of integrity in several respects but no dishonesty was alleged or found. He was suspended from practice indefinitely and ordered to pay costs of £7,000 (reduced from a claimed £8,881).

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• Professional independence
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Many and serious breaches of the accounts rules over nearly three years
• Client money put at risk
• Clients let down, particularly client left unrepresented at court hearing causing adjournment
• Failed to engage with the proceedings or the regulator
• Provided no explanation for misconduct
• Damaging to reputation of profession

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary record
• No allegation of dishonesty