Date
14 June 2001

Charges
The charge brought against Mr Simon Ernest Horwood:

Charge 1
The charge against Mr Simon Horwood of Berkshire was that whilst in the employ of Foster Wells Solicitors, he, being a member of the Institute of Legal Executives, between on or about 1 September 1998 and 29 July 1999 failed to conduct himself and matters of which he had conduct in such a manner as to avoid disrepute being brought upon the Institute or its members, or so as to avoid doubt being cast upon his own professional integrity.

The particulars to the charge were: Mr Horwood made a claim upon his employer for reimbursement of travel expenses which exceeded the true amount of such expenses under his said employment. Mr Horwood made claims upon his employer for reimbursement of travel expenses when in fact no such expenses had been incurred by him under his said employment. Mr Horwood knowingly caused to be created on behalf of Foster Wells Solicitors client files for which clients did not exist.

Outcome
The charge was found proved.

Sanction – Indefinite exclusion
Mr Horwood was excluded from membership of ILEX.

Appeal
The decision was upheld on appeal.