Lawyer jailed for 12 months after embezzling £13,000 from clients

Steven Crommie, 37, was told he had broken trust with his clients and firm at Dumfries Sheriff Court.

Mr Crommie, from Reddingmuirhead in Falkirk committed the offences between April 2013 and February 2014 when he was director of Bell Park Kerridge.

The court heard the firm opened in 2012 and that an investigation began after it was discovered he was taking money from clients.

It also heard the clients whose money was taken have been compensated fully.

Mr Crommie’s solicitor, Alastair Bryce, said his client, who had practised for 15 years, co-operated fully with the investigation when caught.

He added Mr Crommie had been experiencing personal difficulties and that it was a relief when the issue came to light.