Michael Geoffrey FranceAdmitted 1979Application 8019/1999Hearing, 14 March 2000:reasons, 11 April 2000

The SDT reprimanded the respondent, of 57 Redford Road, Hyson Green, NottinghamNG7 5DR, who practised as a sole principal, for unbefitting conduct, in that he had failed promptly to file accountant's reports with the Law Society, contrary to s.34 of the Solicitors Act 1974; and he had failed to comply with a requirement of Professional Regulation Casework Sub-committee (A) to submit the reports within 14 days.

The outstanding accountant's reports had been filed before the hearing and the investigation accountant had confirmed that the respondent's accounts were in order.

His main fault had been that he had allowed a situation where he had not been well served by his accountant to run on for too long.

The respondent was ordered to pay 2,156 costs.