A disgraced solicitor who stole pnds stlg 5,000 fr

A disgraced solicitor who stole pnds stlg 5,000 from his clients to pay off his Barclaycard bill was struck off today.

(Thurs)

Simon Goulstone, 35, was hauled before the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal after partially serving a six month prison sentence.

He admitted channelling the money into his partner’s and his own account over 17 months and doctoring the books to cover up the crime.

Goulstone told the tribunal: ‘I was under a great deal of pressure, my marriage was falling apart and my business partner had been off work after his wife died in 1996.

‘I realise what I have done is totally wrong.

I did it to make ends meet.

I have brought disgrace on the profession, myself, family and friends.

‘I told my partner of the thefts and he notified the accountants.

I honestly didn’t realise how much money was involved but I paid it back with a loan to make sure these people I had stolen from got their money back.

‘

Peter Cadman, for the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors, said Goulstone had made numerous false entries in the books relating to a total of pnds stlg 5,350.

34.

‘In one case a series of payments in the name of one couple were actually made out to Mr Goulstone’s partner to pay the heating and Barclaycard bill.

‘In another, money which would have been returned to a couple was used to pay Goulstone’s Barclaycard reserve.

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He admitted 11 counts of theft with 73 taken into consideration at Swansea Crown Court in July this year and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Goulstone’s practice, Gerald Howell and co, of Friars Park, Lammas Street, Carmarthen, has now folded.

He said: ‘Since I was dismissed from the firm in April 2000, I have been unable to find any work because of my conduct and I have been unable even to secure an interview.

I am honestly very sorry for the trouble I have caused.

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Goulstone, of Bryn Garwell, Thornhill Park, Carmarthen, admitted allegations of failing to write up his accounts properly, transferring money to his own account and utilising clients funds for his own purposes.

Tribunal Chairman Mr Richard Bamford said: ‘We have taken into account your repayment of the money you stole but order you be struck off the roll and pay costs to be subject to detailed assessment if they are not agreed.

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ends