Leo McGarvey, 54, embezzled the sum from RGM Solicitors in Grangemouth between 2011 and 2017.

Falkirk Sheriff Court heard how Mr McGarvey, of Airdrie, took cash payments from at least eight clients but failed to put them through the firm’s books.

He was sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court after having pled guilty at a hearing last month.

Sineidin Corrins, procurator fiscal for Tayside Central & Fife, said it was important for the public to have trust in members of the legal profession.

She said: “This individual embezzled a sum from his employers which also impacted on the members of the public involved.

“It’s essential that people have faith in solicitors to act with honesty and integrity. COPFS take criminality of this nature very seriously. We will use all the powers available to us to prosecute those who would use their professional position for criminal gain.

“COPFS is committed to working with criminal justice partners to combat financial crime.”