Leo McGarvey, 56, was jailed for 10 months at Falkirk Sheriff Court in December 2022 after admitting that he embezzled £7,000 from RGM Solicitors in La Porte Precinct.

The Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal has now found him guilty of professional misconduct.

He had been instructed to act for a woman who had separated from her husband. She paid him £5,500 in cash between 2011 and 2017, no record of which appeared in the firm’s accounts.

This was one of a number of incidents.

SSDT acting vice-chair Vincent McGovern said: “Competent and reputable solicitors are trustworthy and honest. They do not act in ways that are fraudulent and deceitful.

“They act in the best interests of their clients. They communicate effectively with clients and others, and ensure that clients’ money is properly accounted for. The respondent breached all of those rules.

“His conduct was a serious and reprehensible departure from the standards of competent and reputable solicitors. It was dishonest and criminal behaviour. He has not shown any remorse or insight.”

He added: “His conduct was a danger to the public and likely to seriously damage the reputation of the profession. He is not a fit person to be a solicitor.”