Solicitor denies 'trial affair'

DISREPUTE: national newspaper accuses partner of relationship with prosecution witness

A female solicitor caught up in media allegations of bringing the profession into disrepute and an official complaint has fought back, saying accusations made last weekend were 'a distortion of the facts'.

Julie Allott, a partner at Wakefield-based crime specialists Lords, was alleged in the Mail on Sunday to have had an affair with a prosecution witness in a murder trial at which she was acting for the defence.

The affair came to light after Ms Allott brought court proceedings against doorman Michael Taylor, claiming the recovery of loans in excess of 20,000 she said she had made to him during their relationship, in good faith.

The proceedings are continuing.

A spokesman from the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors said: 'I can confirm that we have received a complaint and will be commencing a full investigation.'

Ms Allott said: 'The allegations that I was having an intimate relationship at the time of the trial are utter rubbish.'

Ms Allott continued: 'The facts reported in the Mail have been distorted.' Far from being a crucial witness, Ms Allott argued that Mr Taylor was not called by the defence or prosecution and his statement was regarded as uncontroversial since it was first disclosed.

Ms Allott's solicitor, Richard Des Forges of Doncaster firm Bridge Sanderson Munro, said: 'I have sent a letter to the Law Society making clear our understanding of the situation.'

Ms Allott said she had received great support from the solicitors in the local community since the allegations were made, for which she was 'extremely grateful'.

Andrew Towler