Simon Horwood

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

This was an application by Simon Horwood (a former ILEX legal executive, not a solicitor) to revoke a section 43 Order made on 25 March 2002. The order arose from 2000 ILEX Disciplinary Tribunal findings that he created fictitious client files and made false travel claims (£103, since repaid), for which he was excluded from ILEX membership. Earlier applications to lift the order (2004, 2007) had been refused. The Tribunal noted the order was regulatory, not punitive. It found clear evidence of rehabilitation over a long period, continuous employment with three solicitors' firms with no problems, supportive character references, demonstrated insight and good character, and concluded the order was no longer necessary to maintain the reputation of the profession. The order was revoked. On costs, the Tribunal held costs do not follow the event in regulatory matters (Baxendale-Walker), refused the Applicant's costs claim of £991.50, and awarded the SRA reduced costs of £1,800 (from £1,989 claimed) against the Applicant. No express finding of dishonesty was made by this Tribunal; the underlying ILEX conduct was referenced as serious but no fresh dishonesty finding was made in these revocation proceedings.

Mitigating factors:

• Misconduct took place many years ago (1997/1998)
• Continuous unblemished employment with three solicitors' firms since the order
• Demonstrated insight and rehabilitation
• Repaid the losses (£103) in full
• Strong character references from current and previous employers, a client, and a District Judge
• Employers offered him a promotion to Associate level, showing confidence in him