Peter John Hardman (Sarah Peta Joan Hardman)

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

The Respondent, a sole practitioner, failed to deliver accountant's reports for two years and failed to respond adequately to SRA correspondence, having repeatedly refused his accountant entry to audit his accounts, leaving uncertainty over client money. The Tribunal found the admitted allegations substantiated, noted serious disregard for the Accounts Rules and SRA, and suspended him indefinitely. No order as to costs was made due to his financial circumstances (SRA had sought £874.55).

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Serious disregard for the Solicitors Accounts Rules and the SRA
• Repeatedly refused accountant entry to conduct audit (nine occasions)
• Uncertainty over whether client money (£20,390.61 held per March 2008 statement) remained
• Previous 2007 Tribunal finding of conduct unbefitting a solicitor with £5,000 fine

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations and took full responsibility
• Difficult personal circumstances and lack of financial means
• Previously unblemished career prior to 2007