Simon Christoper Jackson

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

The respondent, a solicitor admitted in 1987, pleaded guilty to four offences of indecent assault against female children he was teaching the oboe, and was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. Although the offences were unconnected with his practice and not the most serious type of abuse, the Tribunal found the abuse of trust brought the profession into disrepute. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £778.00 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No unlawful discrimination or harassment

Aggravating factors:

• Abuse of position of trust as a teacher of children
• Offences repetitive and committed over a period of years
• Offences committed for sexual gratification against child pupils

Mitigating factors:

• Pleaded guilty at first opportunity and admitted allegations
• Voluntarily stopped teaching/offending some years before conviction
• No connection with his solicitor's practice; accounts found in order
• Arranged for another firm to take over practice to minimise impact on clients
• Good character evidence and testimonials
• Undertook sex offender treatment programme
• Offences described by sentencing judge as not the most serious type