Anthony Stephen Baker

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

Sole practitioner admitted in 1980 failed to deliver an Accountant's Report covering the whole period of his sole practice (1 July 1992–2 June 1993), despite reminders and a rebuke from the Solicitors Complaints Bureau. The report remained unfiled at the hearing. The respondent did not attend but made written submissions citing financial and personal difficulties. The Tribunal found the allegation substantiated and imposed an indefinite suspension, with leave to apply for it to be determined once a satisfactory report was filed or a waiver obtained, plus fixed costs of £789.08. No finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Failed to file an Accountant's Report for the whole period of his sole practice (1 July 1992 to 2 June 1993)
• Continuing breach: report still not lodged at date of hearing
• Previously rebuked by the Conduct Sub-Committee of the Solicitors Complaints Bureau for the delay

Mitigating factors:

• Personal/financial difficulties
• Records and accounts lost when his car was broken into
• Apologised for the problems caused
• Investigation Accountant carried out an inspection and reported no material irregularities
• Sought to make written submissions as he could not afford to travel to the hearing