A former solicitor's boss has had £346,000 worth of her assets frozen following a court ruling.

The former owner of Jarmans Solicitors in Sittingbourne, Dorota Newman, had the action taken against her as it is alleged she owes another solicitor nearly £1 million.

The firm, based in Conqueror Court, was closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in March last year after it said it was taking action to “protect the public”.

The SRA found Ms Newman had authorised 18 transfers from client to office accounts, causing a shortage of almost £3,700.

It also found she failed to ensure the firm's books of accounts were maintained in compliance with its rules.

Once these findings were published in February, Ms Newman was disqualified from being head of a legal practice, head of finance and administration or a manager or an employee of a licensed body.

She was also directed to pay costs of £1,350.

Then on March 21, the High Court of Justice Business and Property froze £346,000 worth of her assets.

While this freeze is in place, she is unable to sell her mortaged apartment in Fulham and two properties in Exeter in Devon.

It follows an application to the High Court from Jay Sahota, who sold Jarmans to Ms Newman, who says she owes him nearly £1 million after she purchased the practice in January 2022.

Mr Sahota is seeking the full amount and the costs of the legal case, which is based on a breach of contract.

Ryan Valdema, also known as Lalou Tifrit, is also a named defendant in the case.

Mr Valdema, who was the financial director at Nottingham Forest in 2017, refutes he is associated with Jarmans Solicitors and says he does not owe Mr Sahota any money.

Ali Legal is representing Mr Sahota in the case.

Ms Newman is allowed £800 a week towards her ordinary living expenses and also a reasonable sum for legal advice and representation.

She will reappear in court on Friday, April 4 at 10.30am.

Jarmans Solicitors was a long-standing practice in Sittingbourne with more than 150 years of history with the town.

KentOnline has approached Ms Newman for comment.