The thefts came to light through an audit of the Macclesfield-based practice. Co-founder Christopher Evans informed the police straightaway and fired Mr Shepherd. The prosecutor, Jacob Dyer, said: 'It is clear the defendant had a long standing gambling problem.'

Forged documents

The thefts took place over a period of two years, up to November 2011, and involved a total of £150,000. The lawyer forged documents to cover his tracks. In mitigation, Mr Shepherd's lawyer said that he had not stolen from his clients in order to fund his addiction to online gaming machines. The addiction began before the thefts, the court was told - and there were other financial pressures in the lawyer's life. Source: Daily Mail