Simon Paul Hett

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

Simon Paul Hett, admitted 1994, faced 12 allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated, including express findings of dishonesty (applying Twinsectra) on allegations 8 and 9 concerning round sum cash withdrawals from client account and a false interim bill used to transfer £1,163.75 from client to office account. It found he had abandoned his practice and was not a witness of truth. Despite substantial personal mitigation (criminal charges since acquitted, family breakdown, mother's death, depression, bankruptcy), he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £26,771.93. The Tribunal also ordered that the SRA's Inadequate Professional Service direction of 6 February 2007 be treated as a High Court order for enforcement.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• Proper termination and return of instructions
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Professional indemnity insurance

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty involving misuse of client account funds
• Cash shortage on client account of at least £17,453.75
• Failure to comply with regulatory decisions and correspondence
• Abandoned practice leaving no qualified supervisor and going on holiday to Thailand
• Failed to comply with Tribunal directions and only admitted some allegations at the eleventh hour
• Tribunal found him not to be a witness of truth

Mitigating factors:

• Eleven years' previously unblemished practice
• Faced serious criminal charges (later fully acquitted) with sustained adverse publicity
• Loss of key accounts executive without notice and inability to find replacement
• Marriage break-up and denied access to children
• Mother's terminal illness and death
• Depression and suicidal thoughts; psychiatrist noted fortitude under exceptional stress
• Undischarged bankrupt
• Flooding and burglary affecting records
• Apologised to client and professional body