Graham Keys, 64, also admitted he had defrauded a Belfast law firm – where he had formerly been a partner – of nearly £300,000.

The Co Antrim man pleaded guilty to 21 charges at Belfast Crown Court on Tuesday, after which he was released on bail ahead of sentencing in January.

Mr Keys had been a partner at Diamond Heron Solicitors, where his practice consisted of secured lending and commercial litigation.

In 2015, however, he was expelled from the firm and his practising certificate was suspended by the Law Society following a police investigation.