Becky Agates

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

Barrister Becky Agates faced four charges across two cases for failing to comply with county court orders to pay substantial rent arrears and costs to two separate landlords (Mrs Gable - £12,317.90; HJH Homes/Mr Horsup - £31,451.75 and £1,897.50), and for failing to report bankruptcy proceedings and a bankruptcy order to the BSB. The hearing proceeded in her absence after the Panel was satisfied she had been duly served and it was just to proceed. All charges were found proven. The Panel found her conduct diminished public trust and confidence and demonstrated a lack of integrity, but did NOT make any express finding of dishonesty. Sanctions: 20 months suspension (Charges 1 & 2, Case 0743) and 16 months suspension (Charge 1, Case 0746) running consecutively for a total of 36 months; a £500 fine for Charge 3; and costs of £4,327.26 awarded to the BSB.

Duties found breached:

• Cooperate openly with regulators
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Self-report to the regulator
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Prolonged repetition of previous misconduct (entered new tenancy while in arrears at previous property)
• Likelihood of repetition
• Intentional/deliberate misconduct
• Significant detrimental impact on two private individuals over a long period
• Large debts remaining wholly unpaid (nothing paid towards any judgment)
• Repeated unfulfilled promises to pay; false statement that an appeal had been filed
• No explanation or attempt to comply provided