A London probate solicitor has been struck off following the discovery of extensive client account misappropriation totalling nearly £1.2 million.
Andrew Brian Alexander Cooper, admitted in 2007 and based at Streathers Solicitors in Baker Street, was found by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to have engaged in “deliberate and calculated” misconduct over a three-year period.
Key findings:
The SRA investigation revealed 83 unauthorised transfers from the firm’s client account, including seven payments to HMRC totalling approximately £77,000 to cover Cooper’s personal tax liabilities. Additional payments were made to third parties that personally benefitted the solicitor.
The tribunal also found that Cooper had forged a client’s signature on a change-of-address letter to HMRC without the executor’s knowledge or consent whilst administering an estate. When the client challenged the authenticity of the signature, Cooper initially denied sending the letter. The fraud was uncovered when the firm discovered a deleted email on his computer system.
When confronted with evidence of irregular transfers in September 2022, Cooper left the meeting and the building, stating “I am absolutely fucked”. He subsequently failed to engage with the disciplinary proceedings and did not attend the tribunal hearing.
Cooper was struck off the roll and ordered to pay £29,451 in costs.