Man who raided aunt’s estate loses £200,000

A MAN found guilty of stealing from his late aunt’s estate and non-payment of tax has been hit with a confiscation order for £200,000.

John Lamberton, from Edinburgh, had to be extradited from Spain to stand trial, and was found guilty in 2005 of embezzling £410,000 from his late aunt’s stock and shares.

He was also found guilty of non-payment of tax and non-payment of a half-share of his aunt’s estate to his brother. He was jailed for five years.

Lindsey Miller, head of the serious and organised crime division, said: “This was a despicable crime and a breach of trust carried out by John Lamberton against members of his own family. He betrayed his own brother and the wishes of his late aunt.

“We are satisfied that this order represents the amount of money available to us at this time.

“The message is a clear one. Fleeing from Scotland does not protect criminals from the Proceeds of Crime Act.”