A disgraced solicitor has been banned from pursuing Sheffield homeowners for up to £25,000 in connection with leases.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has prohibited Andrew Milne from practising real estate law “for the protection of the public”.
It comes after he bought the freeholds to more than 170 houses before sending letters claiming breach of covenants.
The letters demanded £25,000 to buy the freeholds, with the threat of legal action if homeowners did not pay. It is understood several paid.
The SRA’s new ruling is intended to shut this practice down.
It comes after he was earlier banned from working as a solicitor without the supervision of a solicitor approved by the SRA.
In March he was convicted of stalking and hit with a seven-year restraining order.
Jonathan Peddie, SRA executive director of investigations, enforcement and litigation, said: “We have serious concerns regarding wider allegations which have been made about Mr Milne.
“Our priority is to protect the public. This is why we have imposed a further condition upon him.”
The SRA continues to investigate issues linked to the stalking matter and wider concerns.
Sheffield MP Olivia Blake, speaking in the House of Commons, accused Milne 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 freeholds, with the threat of forfeiture and High Court action if they did not pay up.
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”.
Andrew Milne & Co, is based at Old Broad St, London. His home address was listed as a hotel in Pensarn, Abergele, North Wales.
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