A solicitor enjoyed a life of “obscene extravagance” after stealing more than a million pounds from a disabled client, a court was told yesterday.

Thomas McGoldrick, 59, spent thousands on foreign holidays, joined an exclusive golf club and lavished money on his children, Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester was told.

The father of two, who lives in a £650,000 home in Mobberley, Cheshire, financed his lifestyle by stealing more than £1 million from a disabled client as the solicitor’s firm struggled with massive debts, it is alleged.

The court was told how Mr McGoldrick’s firm secured £1.8 million in damages for Keith Anderson, 45, a van driver, who was paralysed from the chest down by a road accident in Croydon in November 1996.

Mr McGoldrick then visited Mr Anderson at his house, where he claims they drafted a letter in which his client agreed to give him half the damages. Mr Anderson said that the letter was a forgery and that he was “shocked” to discover the cash had gone.

The court was told that Mr McGoldrick owed £1.4 million, including money owed on 13 credit cards and more than 30 loans. Mr McGoldrick, a solicitor since 1973, also allegedly falsified his firm’s accounts, “grossly inflating profits” to secure overdraft facilities and loans.

“I’m suggesting you are a dishonest, bent, dishonourable solicitor and have been for years,” David Friesner, for the prosecution, said.

Mr McGoldrick denies all charges. The trial continues.

Times Recommends

• Donor organ allowed child’s own heart to heal
• Michael Jackson: Not the final chapter
• Brüno toned down for 15 rating