Legal clerk jailed after stealing £300,000 from firm
- Category: Risk and compliance
- Date: 13-08-2024
In a notable case of occupational fraud, legal clerk Rachel Swettenham was sentenced to four years in prison for embezzling over £300,000 from her employer, Gorvins Solicitors, a law firm based in Stockport and Manchester. citeturn0search2
Swettenham, 54, had been a trusted employee at Gorvins for three decades. Between 2012 and 2014, she illicitly transferred funds from 24 clients into her personal and her husband's bank accounts, as well as to other clients. The stolen money was used to purchase two houses, a boat, cars, and furniture. citeturn0search2
The fraudulent activities came to light during a routine review of Swettenham's employment and conduct. Gorvins promptly refunded all affected clients and took legal action, including obtaining a civil injunction to freeze Swettenham's assets and a search order to recover client documents from her residence. citeturn0search2
Swettenham's husband, Roger Swettenham, 55, was also implicated, having received some of the misappropriated funds. He pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property and received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with an order to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. citeturn0search1
Detective Constable Katherine Perry of Greater Manchester Police condemned Swettenham's actions, stating that she "brazenly abused her position of trust, to satisfy her greed," and showed no regard for the impact on her clients or employer. citeturn0search2
In response to the incident, Gorvins Solicitors implemented additional security measures to prevent future occurrences and reassured clients of their commitment to integrity and trust. citeturn0search2
This case underscores the critical importance of internal controls and vigilant oversight within legal practices to protect client assets and maintain public trust.
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