13/01/2011 Money Laundering Court Result
Today at Lincoln Crown Court, solicitor Jacquelina Olivia Laverick born 28/12/1978, of Lodge Way, Grantham who practiced under her maiden name of Jacqui Johns was sentenced to three years imprisonment.
The conviction follows guilty pleas by her at a prior hearing on 22nd October 2010 to ten counts of Theft and two of converting Criminal property (money laundering).
Mrs Laverick had been employed as a partner at Chatterton’s Solicitors, Grantham office and headed the wills & probate department when she committed these offences.
She pleaded guilty to stealing a total of £214,870.06 from the estates of former clients, and from individuals who were unable to look after themselves and for whom she acted under a Deputyship Order from the Court of Protection.
Chatterton's solicitors have been reimbursed their clients loss under their insurance cover.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 proceedings have been deferred until later in the year.
Four other individuals charged out of the same Lincolnshire Police investigation are due to stand trial in April 2011 for offences of Money Laundering.
Ian Jarman, Head of the Economic Crime Unit at Lincolnshire Police said of the case:
"This was a complex investigation into a professional who had a position of trust which she abused. The sentence reflects the court's view of such matters. This was a solicitor who was acting alone and no blame can be attributed to the firm for whom she worked, indeed Chatterton's are to be commended for immediately bringing it to the attention of Lincolnshire Police and for fully co-operating with the investigation."
