A woman who was head of conveyancing at a legal firm has been jailed for swindling clients out of almost £1m.

Her sister, a conveyancing assistant at the same firm, will be sentenced in the new year.

Ex-solicitor Kimberley Bridge, 44, of Burnley, who worked for the now defunct firm ‘SFN Solicitors’, was sentenced to three years and four months at Preston Crown Court.

The Solicitors’ Regulation Authority inspected the business which was based in Red Lion Street, Burnley, in October 2012, and after finding some financial irregularities called in the police.

An investigation by detectives revealed that Bridge had used clients’ money to prop up her ailing firm which was struggling financially.

Speaking after Friday’s sentencing, the officer who led the police investigation, DS Nick Hodgeson, said: “I am pleased with today’s result which is the culmination of over three years of work on what has been a long and complex investigation.

“Bridge has shown little empathy for her actions after preying on her victims – some of whom were extremely vulnerable – whilst in a position of trust.

“In total just short of £1m was stolen over the period of a few years by taking money deposited by clients mainly for conveyancing services and using it to run the business.

“The public rightly expect that solicitors and those in positions of trust should uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Her fraudulent activities have been an extreme breach of that trust.

“Unfortunately not all the victims have been compensated for their losses and some have very emotional, sad stories.

“I hope today’s sentencing will reassure the public that these matters will be investigated fully, regardless of time. Lastly, I hope the victims can now move forward with their lives.”

Bridge’s sister, Nicola Roach, 35, of Bramley Avenue, Burnley, who was a conveyancing assistant at the business, is due to be sentenced on January 8.

In total Bridge stole £961,973 while Roach stole £141,741.

While Bridge used the stolen money to prop up the business, Roach used hers to buy designer shoes and handbags, and a Victoria Beckham dress.

Bridge, pictured, was struck off by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in April last year. The SRA had also closed down SFN Solicitors in January 2013.