A former dual-qualified lawyer who was struck off and subsequently declared bankrupt faces restrictions for the next 10 years after he concealed hundreds of thousands of pounds from the insolvency service.

Paul Baxendale-Walker, 56, a former solicitor and barrister also known as Paul Chaplin, failed to disclose the existence or extent of his ownership of a £300,000 property bought just before his bankruptcy – or that he attempted to gift his ownership in the home to an associate to the detriment of his creditors.

Baxendale-Walker also failed to disclose he held an interest in the lease of a property in Knightsbridge rented for more than £177,000; understated his annual income to the official receiver and joint trustees; and permitted or assisted the concealment, removal or destruction of electronic devices believed to contain records relating to his affairs.

As a result, the High Court imposed a 10-year bankruptcy restrictions order, meaning Baxendale-Walker will need to disclose his bankruptcy status if he attempts to secure £500 or more in credit. He is also barred from acting as a company director without the permission of the court.

Baxendale-Walker was struck off as a solicitor and a barrister after he was found to have given negligent tax advice to a client. He was declared bankrupt in 2018.

The official receiver, Anthony Hannon, said: ‘Paul Baxendale-Walker knew exactly what he was doing when he failed to disclose all his assets to the official receiver and the courts have rightly recognised the severity of his actions by restricting his activities for a decade.

‘The case aptly demonstrates that a bankrupt has an absolute duty to co-operate with the official receiver and the trustee in bankruptcy.’