Younus Desai

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

The SRA brought two allegations against Younus Desai, a recognised sole practitioner. The Tribunal found that during a medical consultation on 23 January 2015 he improperly attempted to influence a jointly instructed medical expert by asking a leading question of an 11-year-old patient (breach of Principle 6). It also found that between November 2016 and February 2017 he attempted to improperly influence an SRA investigation by providing draft answers and using emotive language to encourage former partner Mr DJ to corroborate his account (breaching Principles 2, 6 and 7 and Outcomes 10.6 and 10.7). The Tribunal made an express finding of dishonesty (applying Ivey) regarding allegation 1.2, finding he knowingly sought to have Mr DJ corroborate an untruthful account. Finding no exceptional circumstances under Sharma, the Tribunal ordered the Respondent struck off the Roll and to pay costs of £20,261.39.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Advise objectively, not a mere conduit
• No conflict between current clients
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Cooperate openly with regulators

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest attempt to conceal details of his own actions
• Conduct extended over a considerable period (November 2016 to February 2017)
• Deliberate, not spontaneous conduct
• Experienced solicitor who knew or ought to have known his conduct was harmful to the reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished career with no prior disciplinary history
• Positive character references attesting to honesty and integrity
• Serious personal issues at the material time including family bereavement and ill-health of close relatives
• Apologised and expressed remorse