Andrew John Pinder

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

Andrew John Pinder, a sole practitioner of Pinders Solicitors (firm ceased practising 30 September 2010), admitted two allegations of failing to deliver accountant's reports for periods ending 30 April 2008 and 30 April 2009, in breach of Section 34(2) of the Solicitors Act 1974. The Tribunal found both allegations proved on admission. Given sympathy for his medical condition (depression), the Tribunal suspended him from practice for an indefinite period and ordered him to pay costs of £1,289. No dishonesty was alleged or found.

Duties found breached:

• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Mitigating factors:

• History of depression dating back to 1993, which affected his motivation, concentration and ability to cope; failure to comply appeared caused by his medical condition
• No previous disciplinary matters
• No claims made against him while in practice on his own account
• Practice closed down in an orderly manner with zero balance in client account confirmed
• Low client account activity with small sums; no conveyancing undertaken
• Could not afford to pay an accountant to prepare the reports; intended to apply for a waiver
• Admitted both allegations