England: Solicitor who abused law centre position to charge clients struck off

Andrew John Puddicombe, 62, charged clients a total of more than £8,000 on a private paying basis while working at the Gloucester Law Centre over the course of three years.

Mr Puddicombe used the law centre’s headed notepaper and other resources without its knowledge, had no indemnity insurance to work privately, and failed to keep proper accounts, LegalFutures reports.

The clients he charged were ineligible for legal aid.

As well as being removed from the roll, Mr Puddicombe has returned a sum of £8,400 to the law centre and agreed to pay costs of £5,000.