David Daniel Joseph Regan

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

The respondent, a solicitor admitted in 1996 not holding a current practising certificate, was convicted in Bristol Crown Court in January and March 2017 of making and distributing indecent photographs of children, possession of extreme pornographic images, and drug offences including supplying class A drugs, and sentenced to 69 months imprisonment. The SDT proceeded in his absence (adjournment refused) and found breaches of Principles 1, 2 and 6 proved. No express dishonesty finding was made. The Tribunal found culpability high and ordered him struck off the Roll, plus costs of £1,880.08.

Duties found breached:

• Integrity
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Criminal convictions including making/distributing indecent photographs of children, possession of extreme pornographic images, and drug offences including supplying class A drugs
• Offences committed while on bail
• Deliberate, calculated and repeated conduct over a period of time
• Took advantage of vulnerable children causing incalculable and lasting harm
• Used technical knowledge (encryption/deletion software) to conceal wrongdoing
• High level of culpability

Mitigating factors:

• Deep remorse expressed for his actions
• Pleaded guilty to all charges (though late)
• Health, drug addiction and childhood issues cited