A confiscation hearing following the sentencing of a former solicitor who defrauded clients of almost £2m was today adjourned to find out more about his private pension.

Christopher Michael Bilmes, 45, was sentenced to four years and eight months' imprisonment earlier this year after admitting seven charges of fraud. Between November 2014 and October 2017, Bilmes dishonestly appropriated £1,767,322 from the client account of his firm Bilmes Law LLP.

The court previously heard that Bilmes’ fraud came to light in October 2017 when the firm stopped trading and the Solicitors Regulation Authority intervened.

Hove Crown Court today heard that an adjournment was required as more information was needed about Bilmes' private pension, if it was redeemable now and, if so, its value.

Bilmes, who had been ‘halfway’ to the court in the police van, was turned back and did not appear.

The hearing was adjourned until after the Christmas break.