Lawyer quizzed in £350k fraud probe

Apr 20 2008 By Derek Alexander

More Scottish News Brief's £350k Cash Quiz

A LAWYER is at the centre of a £350,000 fraud probe after legal aid bosses called in police.

Ian Robertson, 54, was quizzed by detectives over an alleged three-year swindle centred on visits he made to clients in Peterhead Prison.

The company boss - who was once convicted of head-butting his wife - and a lawyer who works for him were last week told they cannot claim any more legal aid.

Bosses at the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) also froze payments for work already done.

Paisley-based Robertson and Ross raked in £832,800 in payments last year.

A source said: "Fraud allegations are taken very seriously.

"Solicitor firms have the potential to make a substantial amount of money each year and there has to be accountability.

"If there is a suspicion of fraud then they have to make sure it is properly investigated."

Ten years ago, Robertson was fined £200 for butting his cheating wife in the face.

He flipped when he found out he had paid for a foreign holiday for Fiona and her lover Brian Beacom.

It is understood fraud squad officers moved in to question Robertson this month after an anonymous letter to the SLAB.

Legal aid pays for people on low incomes to get help from lawyers. The SLAB is responsible for managing the system in Scotland and is funded by the taxpayer.

A SLAB spokesman said it would be "inappropriate" to comment on the case."

Robertson said: "We are co-operating fully with the inquiry but I am disappointed details have been leaked.

"My position is that all work which we have claimed for has been carried out and I am confident that this will be resolved satisfactorily and quickly."

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