Formby solicitor vows to clear his name after being arrested on suspicion of theft

Sep 15 2010 by John Siddle, Birkenhead News

A MERSEYSIDE solicitor has vowed to clear his name after being accused of stealing money from his former firm.

James Parry, 49, was arrested on September 6 on suspicion of theft from Birkenhead-based Nadim Associates Solicitors before his resignation in October last year.

Mr Parry, who was bailed pending further inquiries, is set to be a key witness speaking against his former practice partner Ibrahim Nadim at an employment tribunal in November.

The Formby dad-of-two is due to speak against Mr Nadim over allegations of sexual discrimination against two former female employees who quit the firm in September last year.

Mr Parry said: “I find it extraordinary an allegation was made against me.

“I believe the allegation, which has not been proven and with no charge brought, is entirely misconceived and unfounded and I categorically deny any wrongdoing.”

Mr Parry, who has worked on Merseyside since 1990, is now a partner in the firm Parry Welch Lacey, in Page Moss.

Mr Parry added: “I have nothing to fear from a police investigation.

“The Solicitors Regulation Authority ordered a review of Nadim Associates’ accounts before April 14 this year and they came to speak to me.

“None of these allegations were ever raised.”

Nadim Associates is described as a “family-run practice based in Liverpool and Wirral” which has “established itself as a prominent fully integrated firm of solicitors”.

Its director Ibrahim Nadim, a former British Merchant mariner, told the News: “I cannot comment. It is in the hands of the police.”