Sheffield MPs call for controversial 'freehold' solicitor to be suspended after stalking conviction
Sheffield MPs are demanding a controversial ‘freehold’ solicitor is suspended after he was convicted of stalking.
Louise Haigh and Olivia Blake are urging the Solicitors Regulation Authority to suspend Andrew Milne’s licence to practise.
Milne, is based at Old Broad St, London, was this week convicted of stalking. He will be sentenced on March 10.
He is being investigated by the SRA and South Yorkshire Police over alleged financial demands of up to £25,000 from leaseholders in Sheffield.
Louise Haigh MP said it was time for “decisive action.”
She said: “This week, Mr Milne, a London solicitor with links to Sheffield was found guilty of stalking.
“This is the very same solicitor who has been acquiring hundreds of freeholds in Sheffield and has been accused of demanding large sums from local leaseholders.
“It is shocking that we are still waiting on the outcome of the investigation by South Yorkshire Police and the Solicitors Regulation Authority in relation to those alleged financial demands.
“I have, together with Olivia Blake MP, written to the SRA to seek the immediate removal of his licence to practise.
“It is not acceptable that it has taken this long for decisive action to be taken, the SRA must now move urgently to suspend him.
“Sheffield residents rightly expect accountability now.”
A spokesperson for the SRA said they were aware of the conviction and were “deeply concerned” in the context of existing, but separate, issues over Mr Milne’s conduct.
They added: “Our focus remains on protecting the public and we will continue to take steps necessary to do so.”
Olivia Blake MP raised the issue in the House of Commons last month.
She said Andrew Milne bought the freeholds to more than 170 houses in Sheffield at auction.
He then sent letters to householders claiming alleged breach of covenants within the lease for extensions or other building work.
He was demanding residents pay £25,000 to buy out the freeholds, with the threat of forfeiture and High Court action if they do not pay up, she said. It is understood some leaseholders have paid.
Ms Blake said she reported him 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.”
South Yorkshire Police say anyone who has received letters, emails, or any other form of correspondence from Andrew Milne should forward copies to [email protected]
Mr Milne was contacted for comment.
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