RESTORATION REFUSED

Sydney Toppin, admitted in 1984 was struck off the roll in 1995 for using client money for his own purposes, resulting in compensation of £73,000 being paid out of the compensation fund. Representing himself at an application to be restored to the roll, he admitted under cross-examination that he had twice worked at law firms without authorisation. He was also convicted of the offence of failing to disclose to one of those firms that he had been struck off. In refusing his application the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found that he had shown 'a reckless disregard for the rules'. 17 May 2019