Simon Horwood

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

This was an application by Simon Horwood, a legal executive, to revoke a section 43 Order imposed in 2002 following ILEX Disciplinary Tribunal findings that he had created fictitious client files and made false travel claims. Two earlier applications (2004 and 2007) had been refused. The Tribunal, applying the principle that a section 43 Order is regulatory not punitive, was satisfied the Applicant had rehabilitated through years of continuous unblemished employment, strong references and insight, and that the Order was no longer necessary. The application was granted. Costs did not follow the event; the Applicant's costs application was refused and he was ordered to pay the SRA's assessed costs of £1,800. No express finding of dishonesty was made by this Tribunal in the revocation proceedings.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations

Aggravating factors:

• Original misconduct was very serious

Mitigating factors:

• Misconduct took place many years ago (1997/1998)
• Continuous unblemished employment across three solicitors' firms since the Order
• Clear evidence of rehabilitation over a long period
• Strong character references from current and former employers, a client and a District Judge
• Demonstrated insight and repaid the losses (£103)
• Offer of promotion to Associate level showing employer confidence