(unnamed respondent)

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

This was an application by solicitor Matthew Podger to remove conditions imposed by the SDT in June 2020 (following his non-disclosure of a second police caution for cocaine possession, which led to a one-year suspension and indefinite conditions barring COLP/COFA/MLRO roles and requiring disclosure to employers). The original dishonesty allegation had been withdrawn in a revised Agreed Outcome, with breaches of Principles 2, 6 and 7 acknowledged. The SRA adopted a neutral position. The Tribunal found the conditions, though properly imposed at the time, no longer served to protect the public or the reputation of the profession, given the Applicant's rehabilitation, compliance, and remorse. The application was granted and the Applicant was ordered to pay costs of £2,332.80.

Mitigating factors:

• Significant passage of time since the original misconduct
• Sustained rehabilitation including a series of negative/quarterly drug tests
• Full compliance with all existing conditions
• Positive and persuasive character references from employer and personally
• Positive occupational health assessments confirming fitness to practise
• Employed by a firm fully aware of and supportive of his background
• Genuine remorse and credible insight; found to be a credible witness
• Changed personal circumstances, particularly family life and responsibilities