Toper Hassan

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

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Failure to respond to or cooperate with his professional regulator, showing resistance to proper regulation
• Two previous disciplinary findings (case 10226/2009: reprimand and costs; case 10702/2011: £5,000 fine and costs)
• Risk that misconduct would be repeated
• Respondent's whereabouts unknown; no effective address provided
• Conduct risked significant detriment to the public, particularly former clients, and damaged the reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent had paid storage charges for 5 years before failing to do so for the final period
• With passage of time many files may properly have become due for routine destruction