Rizwan Ahmad

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

Rizwan Ahmad, a sole practitioner at Herald Solicitors, failed to deliver an accountant's report for the six-month period ending 31 March 2010, breached a condition on his 2008/2009 practising certificate requiring filing of half yearly accountant's reports, and failed to cooperate with SRA correspondence. The Tribunal found all three allegations proved to the highest standard. This was the second similar case against him within a short period; despite previous assurances and a financial penalty, he failed to rectify matters. He did not attend or engage. The Tribunal ordered he be struck off the Roll and pay costs.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Second disciplinary case in a short period for essentially similar breaches
• Failed to honour previous assurances given to the Tribunal that reports would be filed
• Had received a stern warning and financial penalty on the previous occasion
• Lack of engagement with the SRA and Tribunal throughout proceedings
• Failed to file the required accountant's report which remained outstanding to the date of hearing