Solicitor pleads guilty to embezzling £270,000 from aunt

A solicitor who embezzled almost £270,000 from his aunt after she granted him power of attorney is facing jail, The Herald reports.

William Walls, 62, was sole partner of McQuittys in Cupar when his aunt, Mary Brown, gave him power of attorney.

However, the lawyer, whose business was in dire financial straits, began using her money to keep his firm afloat - for nine years.

He was caught after a Law Society investigation and questions by Mrs Brown’s family over withdrawals from her accounts.

At Dundee Sheriff Court, Mr Walls pleaded guilty to embezzlement.

Sheriff Alastair Brown deferred sentencing until November for background reports.

The solicitor is expected to be struck off the roll later this year.