Man admits fake barrister charges

A man has admitted impersonating a barrister in a string of court cases.

Ian Clegg took part in several hearings before both county court judges and magistrates in Guisborough between September 2007 and April this year.

The 32-year-old admitted two charges of impersonating a barrister and three charges of fraud when he appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday.

Clegg, of Trinity, Cambridge Square, Middlesbrough, had told clients he was a qualified lawyer, the court heard.

The prosecution case against Clegg was not opened and the case was adjourned until 15 December for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and psychiatric report.

Clegg admitted committing offences at Langbaurgh East Magistrates' Court and the local county court.

He pleaded guilty to a further charge of breaching bail on 16 September this year by failing to surrender.

As he was led from the dock after being re-bailed, he shouted: "Can I say how sorry I am."