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Solicitor and his wife face inquiry over missing £3m
Couple referred to Law Society tribunal
Andrew Robinson
A YORKSHIRE solicitor and his wife are being investigated over the disappearance of around 3.5m from the accounts of a law firm, it has emerged.
Police and the Law Society were called in when staff at Milners in Leeds discovered the money was missing.
Senior partner Simon Morgan, 45, was dismissed along with his wife Ann, who was the firm's practice manager, and chief cashier Alison Rennie.
A 38-year-old woman has been arrested and bailed by police investigating the missing funds.
The Law Society has referred the couple to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to "answer serious allegations concerning a substantial sum of money". A date for the hearing has yet to be set.
Mr Morgan, who through his lawyers has denied any dishonesty, was a senior partner at Milners Solicitors in Great George Street until August 16, 2004.
His practising certificate was suspended on August 19, 2004, and was not renewed, so he cannot work as a solicitor, the Law Society says.
Milners' joint managing partners, Simon Bass and Giles Ward, said yesterday that, in July, 2004, they identified financial irregularities relating to both clients' money and the firm's money.
In a statement, Milners said: "Immediate action was taken by us to involve the Police and The Law Society.
"Our clients' interests are paramount. We successfully took action to freeze the assets of the Morgans, forcing the sale of amongst other things a Lamborghini, Ferrari, an Audi A8 and a substantial house in North Leeds and so ensuring that no clients suffered any financial loss.
"Although our clients have not suffered any loss, a substantial amount of the partnership's money remains unaccounted for and we are presently suing our former accountants for their alleged failure to spot the irregularities. We are also assisting the police with their on-going investigation."
"Simon Morgan was forced to retire from Milners and his wife Ann Morgan, the firm's practice manager, and Alison Rennie, the chief cashier, were dismissed around the same time."
The sale of the Morgans assets realised about 600,000, which covered the losses found in the clients' accounts. More than 2m missing money is still unaccounted for.
Simon Morgan became a solicitor in 1986 and worked for Milners for 18 years. His wife had worked there for a similar amount of time.
The couple used to live in The Manor, Manor House Lane, Alwoodley, Leeds, a five-bedroom home with its own pool, jacuzzi, sauna and self-contained guest annexe. It sold for 1.9m.
Solicitors Irwin Mitchell, who represent Mr Morgan, said he had no comment to make ahead of any Law Society or police investigation, but added: "He has done everything he can until now, and will continue to do so in the future, to assist all those concerned and in line with his professional duties to the practice and its clients. He denies any dishonesty."
Lawyers McCormick's, who act for Mrs Morgan, said their client had no comment to make.
In a statement, West Yorkshire Police said: "We can confirm that we have received a complaint from a firm of solicitors in Leeds in relation to alleged financial irregularities involving former members of staff. The investigation is progressing and officers are in liaison with the Law Society."
andrew.robinson@ypn.co.uk
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