A SOLICITOR facing criminal proceedings for allegedly trying to defraud a client has been suspended by the Law Society.

David Gatherer, the sole lawyer at Carpenters in Durham, is forbidden from practising pending an investigation into allegations of serious breaches of professional conduct.

Carpenters' premises in Old Elvet was closed on April 4 and the work of the practice has been transferred to another County Durham firm, Blackett, Hart and Pratt, but clients have been assured they will not lose out financially due to the switch.

The Law Society intervened after receiving complaints alleging breaches of solicitors' rules.

Inquiries could take several months to conclude before it is decided whether matters should be referred to a solicitors' disciplinary tribunal hearing. That could lead to Mr Gatherer being struck off by the Law Society.

A society spokesman said: "We are looking at alleged breaches of solicitors' rules.

"We are required by law to close down a solicitors' practice if we are convinced it is in the public interest to do so.

"There are several allegations against him and his practising certificate has been suspended.

"People should not be losing sleep over losing money as there are several mechanisms to ensure people do not lose funds as a result of a firm being closed."

Mr Gatherer, 51, of East Herrington, Sunderland, and practice manager Joyce Watts were charged with conspiracy to defraud in December following a police investigation into a complaint over the firm's handling of a shop sale for an elderly client in Esh Winning, County Durham, last summer.

Both denied the charge at Newcastle Crown Court and the case has been adjourned for trial later this year.

Mr Gatherer and 48-year-old Mrs Watts, of Langley Park, County Durham, were granted bail.