David Daniel Joseph Regan

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

The Respondent, a non-practising solicitor admitted in 1996, was convicted at Bristol Crown Court of multiple serious offences including making, distributing and possessing indecent photographs of children, possession of extreme pornographic images, and possession/supply of controlled drugs, receiving a total of 69 months imprisonment. The Tribunal proceeded in his absence (he was in prison) after refusing an adjournment. It found all three allegations (breaches of Principles 1, 2 and 6) proved beyond reasonable doubt based on certificates of conviction. Culpability was high; the conduct was deemed misconduct of the most serious kind. No express finding of dishonesty was made (lack of integrity was found). The only sanction proportionate was striking off, with costs of £1,880.08 awarded.

Duties found breached:

• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Convictions for making/distributing/possessing indecent photographs of children, extreme pornographic images, and drug offences including supplying class A drugs
• High level of culpability spanning a significant period
• Offences committed while on bail
• Deliberate, calculated and repeated conduct over time
• Took advantage of vulnerable children causing incalculable, lifelong harm
• Used technical knowledge (encryption/deletion software) to conceal wrongdoing

Mitigating factors:

• Expressed deep remorse and regret for his actions
• Pleaded guilty to all charges (though late)
• Cited mental and physical health problems, drug addiction and childhood issues