Indira Butcher

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

The Tribunal found all three allegations proved against Indira Butcher, who continued to practise as a sole principal of Barnes & Co after her practising certificate was terminated on 15 December 2008, operating a client account and making payments from it, and practising without qualifying indemnity insurance for 2008/2009. The Respondent did not respond to the SRA and was neither present nor represented. No dishonesty was alleged or found. The Tribunal considered the matters too serious for a fine and imposed an indefinite suspension, plus costs fixed at £6,000 (reduced from the claimed £6,572).

Duties found breached:

• Hold a current practising certificate
• No improper use of client money
• Professional indemnity insurance

Aggravating factors:

• No response or explanation from the Respondent throughout proceedings
• Failure to cooperate with the SRA
• Continued to operate client account and undertake reserved work without authority

Mitigating factors:

• Conduct took place over a relatively short period
• No previous disciplinary sanctions before the Tribunal