The referral came about when years after having left work at a care home, the registrant felt guilty about certain matters they had done whilst at that home. They contacted the home, and sent in a sizeable cheque as a donation. The home referred the matter to the NMC. Referrals go first to the screening department, who decide whether there is a valid regulatory concern which requires investigation. After much prevarication, the registrant finally sought some advice and contacted me. A significant amount of my experience is in the field of criminal defence, and often the principles of criminal defence are well applied in regulatory disciplinary proceedings. Sometimes it is right to make admissions, be open and reflective; sometimes it is right not to make any admissions and to attack the 'prosecution' case. In this case, it was the latter that was the correct approach. Following written submissions from me, the NMC concluded that there were no regulatory concerns and closed the case. The response I got from my client when I called him was similar to that National Lottery representatives get when they call up jackpot winners - astounded, emotional and overjoyed. He couldn't believe that the proceedings were going no further. This is the stuff that really gives me satisfaction in my work, and made crummy old January a bit better!