Solicitor- struck off and jailed for 12 years

After taking part in a mortgage fraud which netted to over £30 million, a former solicitor has been struck off and been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

In 2010 Jonathan Martin Gilbert, of Penarth, South Glamorgan was struck off the list as a solicitor. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal described the case as 'one of the worst'.

Due to his fraudulent activities the law firm where he was a partner, Willmett's, failed and had to close.

The ex-solicitor, had been recruited by Mark Entwistle, a former airline pilot who had previously taken part in fraudulent activities in 2005 and 2009. Mark made bogus mortgage applications in the Ascot and Windsor areas.

Southwark Crown Court, heard that Mr Gilbert had assisted with multiple mortgages and failed to register charges on the properties, which resulted a house in Ascot to be re-mortgaged five times.

The incident involved mortgage brokers and an accountant, which between them they netted over £30m, which included £6m from multiple mortgages from The Royal Bank of Scotland and Northern Rock.

Mr Gilbert was eventually jailed for 14 years and Judge Martin Beddoe, said, "This is a story of arrogance and greed. You thought you were better than anyone else and you were unable to get over the need to show off your wealth."

If you are looking for legal advice, and wish to deal with a firm in the Manchester area, please contact Ross Legal on 0161 720 7200 or email enq@rosslegal.co.uk. 

Ross Legal LLP

Manchester Solicitors