David May, from north-west London admitted to stealing £861,645.28 from his firm’s client account between 13 July 2006 and 9 May 2009 and landed himself an early retirement with two years in one of her Majesty’s finest. After racking up 46 years with an unblemished reputation, how does that happen?

According to the Gazette, prosecutor Brett Weaver said the money went on personal living expenses and running his practice. ‘His professional indemnity insurance costs increased and the firm was not earning enough to cover the expenses of the business and his personal costs,’ said Weaver. ‘He says he intended to repay the money, but things went spiralling out of control. He used the [client account] as his own personal bank account.’

His firm, May & Co, was closed down by the SRA in June.

A sorry end.