Ex-Mishcon partner jailed for five years over fraud

27 January 2012 | By Vanessa Wozniak

The case dates back to 2008 when Kevin Steele was still a partner at the firm. In December he was convicted by the Serious Fraud Office for forgery and fraud offences (5 December 2011).

Steele helped former client Michael Shephard and his friend Mark Pattinson to fraudulently obtain a €22m (£18.4m) loan from Zurich-based EFG Private Bank.

The fraud was committed using fake letters that purported that Shephard had on deposit the sum of £76m held in two accounts at the Guernsey branch of Bank Julius Baer. The money was later accepted as security for the loan.

Pattinson was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on 9 January, receiving 18 months for his involvement. Shephard and Steele, who were to be sentenced along with Pattinson, appeared at the court today (27 January) after Mr Justice Wood delayed proceedings following Steele’s ill-health.

Shephard was sentenced to six years and three months imprisonment as well as being disqualified from holding a position of company directorship for 15 years.

All three were found guilty of using false instruments and conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.