Fraudulent solicitor jailed for 20 months - The Malvern Observer

Fraudulent solicitor jailed for 20 months

Malvern Editorial 16th Sep, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

A SOLICITOR who defrauded and stole more than £13,000 from elderly and deceased clients has been jailed for 20 months.

Stephen Climo, who was employed by Malvern-based Gaynor-Smith and Owen (GSO) at the time, had previous pleaded guilty at Worcester Magistrates’ Court to four counts of fraud and one of theft and was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Friday (September 11).

John Brotherton, prosecuting barrister, told the court the 50-year-old was paid £180 by Edith Barefield for instructing her will in August 2014. Copies of the statements were sent to the office but funds were not paid into their solicitors account until May this year.

Climo, of Holt Heath near Worcester, also instructed a will for Doreen Nokes in April and invoice her £180. He repayed £190 into the office account on May 29 and it was then the firm’s cashier raised concerns over the payments.




The court also heard he dealt with Sheila Wadle, who was described as having ‘opulent wealth’.

In June, an audit of her affairs was carried out and two cheques were found made out to him, one in his hand-writing for £2,000 and another for £700. He paid them into his bank account with no explanation.


Following a review, GSO found Climo had befriended and visited Miss Wadle regularly and reimbursed her £3,000.

Climo also worked on the will and estate of Joan Jones, following her death, but the court was told how a friend of the deceased said seven withdrawals of £300 had been made from Ms Jones’ account.

He was questioned by GSO partners during a hearing on June 18 and admitted the withdrawals and a further one, totalling £2,400, which the firm reimbursed.

GSO handled three accounts on behalf of Arthur Waldwyn, one containing £50,000 for his care home costs. More than £8,000 was taken from this after responsibility for his finances was passed to Climo.

He admitted making the cash withdrawals during the June hearing, which GSO again reimbursed and reported Climo to the police.

A statement from Edward Gaynor-Smith, partner of GSO, said: “It has cost the firm more than £13,000 but I don’t regard this as the real loss is to our reputation and standing in the community.

“I feel very betrayed and angry.

“I have had to face angry and upset clients, he abused the trust that was placed in him by GSO and our clients.”

Defending barrister, Jason Aris, said Climo had taken an extension out on his mortgage to build on his home.

“He then found himself in the position where his wife became quite unwell and was off work for a long time and his son was also poorly and had time off work,” he added.

“His brother-in-law moved in following a marriage break-up and his mother-in-law moved in and he was the only one working at the time.

“I put to you these circumstances not to excuse what happened because it is inexcusable but he was under considerable pressure, and he did what he did for reasons other than greed or to finance a lavish lifestyle.”

Judge Richard Rundell said: “It is difficult to imagine a position which commands greater respect than that of the family solicitor who is trusted by his colleagues.

“In the course of three to four years you took money from vulnerable clients. You have let yourself down, your family and friends and your colleagues down.”

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