(unnamed respondent)

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

Mr Coates had been indefinitely suspended in 2008 for conduct unbefitting a solicitor (misleading contract, failing to honour SDLT undertakings, and soliciting loans by misrepresentation), though dishonesty was not proved and his health was a major reason the suspension was made indefinite. On his application 15 years later, the Tribunal was satisfied, given his improved health, comprehensive training, insight, and an offer of supervised employment, that terminating the suspension would not harm the profession's reputation or the public interest. The application was granted subject to 2-year practising restrictions, and he was ordered to pay £1,859 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients
• Honour professional undertakings
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Original misconduct was serious and represented fundamental breaches of a solicitor's conduct and obligations

Mitigating factors:

• Misconduct confined to an isolated six-month period in 2006 during a period of illness (severe depressive state)
• No prior complaints before the misconduct
• 15 years had passed since suspension
• Genuine insight and remorse demonstrated
• Comprehensive up-to-date property law training undertaken
• Independent medical evidence showing good physical and mental health
• Offer of supervised employment from former training partner
• Original £8,000 costs order paid in full
• Positive character references

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]