Sheffield leases row solicitor Andrew Milne hit with seven-year restraining order for stalking
A controversial solicitor, who is under investigation for allegedly demanding £25,000 from householders in Sheffield, has been sentenced for stalking.
Andrew Milne was hit with a two-year community order, 300 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days after being convicted of stalking without fear or distress blogger Daniel Cloake.
He must also pay Mr Cloake £850 in compensation, as well as £650 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
The judge also imposed a seven-year restraining order.
Thames Magistrates' Court heard Milne sent 120 emails, an unwanted gift, letters and attended the victim's London address between March and August 2024.
His firm, Andrew Milne & Co, is based at Old Broad St, London. His home address was listed as a hotel in Pensarn, Abergele, North Wales.
The disgraced solicitor is also being investigated by South Yorkshire Police for allegedly demanding up to £25,000 from homeowners in Sheffield.
Sheffield MP Olivia Blake, speaking in the House of Commons, accused him of buying the freeholds to more than 170 houses at auction before sending letters claiming breach of covenants within the lease for extensions or other building work.
The letters demanded residents pay £25,000 to buy out the freeholds, with the threat of forfeiture and High Court action if they did not pay up.
It is understood several paid.
Ms Blake reported Milne to police on the basis his actions “may amount to fraud by falsely representing the position of leaseholds, as well as causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress.”
He was convicted of stalking after a trial last month and ordered, by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, not to act as a solicitor without supervision.
The stalking sentencing was on Tuesday, March 10.
Nathan Goldstein, mitigating, said Milne would be "seriously affected by these matters", adding: "It goes without saying that this is going to form a very significant punishment in its own right."
Mr Goldstein told the court Milne intends to appeal.