David Roy Southan Daykin

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

David Roy Southan Daykin, a sole practitioner admitted in 1977, was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor on eight particulars including failing to comply with multiple OSS compensation directions, abandoning his practice, failing to respond to correspondence from the OSS and others, and failing to account to a client for monies. This was his third appearance before the Tribunal. He did not appear and was served by substituted service. The Tribunal, noting no dishonesty was alleged, found suspension necessary to protect the public and the profession's reputation. He was suspended indefinitely from 10 July 2003, ordered to pay costs of £9,058.37, and the OSS resolutions were made enforceable as High Court orders.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• Proper termination and return of instructions
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Third time before the Tribunal (prior findings in July 2000 and June 2001)
• Persistent and complete failure to respond to his professional regulatory body
• Clients left without compensation awarded to them
• Clients abandoned along with practice causing inconvenience and potential harm
• Dismissive attitude ('I respond to things when I see things')

Mitigating factors:

• Apparent decline/ill health (stress and depression) since around 2000
• No suggestion of dishonesty; matters related to management faults