Simon Patrick Cannon

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

Sole practitioner Simon Patrick Cannon was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor on five particulars: failing to file Accountant's Reports on time, practising without/failing to evidence indemnity insurance, breaching an undertaking to pay costs to another firm, withdrawing client account monies improperly (cash shortage of £10,448.31), and failing to produce accounting records to the investigating officer. He had ceased practice at end of 2002 amid severe financial difficulties, with a Law Society intervention in March 2003. He had a prior 2000 disciplinary finding. The Tribunal found no dishonesty but ordered indefinite suspension from 5 August 2004 and costs of £6,632.83.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Cash shortage of £10,448.31 not replaced
• Failure to cooperate with Law Society investigation and correspondence
• Previous disciplinary finding in 2000 for accounts rules breaches (fine and costs)
• Claims made on the Compensation Fund

Mitigating factors:

• Severe financial, personal and business problems
• Accepted responsibility for the undertaking
• No evidence of deliberate breach of undertaking - placed in breach by financial circumstances
• No finding of dishonesty