Paul Anthony Mason

• Application 10109-2008
• Admitted 1980
• Hearing 10 September 2009
• Reasons 13 May 2010

The SDT ordered that the respondent, of Illifes Booth Bennett, Lovell House, 271 High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1LQ, should be reprimanded.

The respondent had acted in a manner which was likely to lead to a breach of his duty to keep confidential the affairs of clients of his firm, contrary to principle 16.01 of the Guide to the Professional Conduct of Solicitors 1999; and he had acted in a manner whereby tapes and videos of children’s evidence had been dealt with otherwise than in accordance with principle 21.16 of the 1999 guide and the council statement giving guidance thereon. While the particular circumstances had resulted in inadvertent disclosure that had caused no harm to any members of the public, the SDT was concerned that firms should have effective systems in place to ensure that all regulations and guidance relating to sensitive information was complied with fully.

The respondent was ordered to pay costs of £5,087.