A former lawyer has been charged with 20 counts of fraud, involving alleged forgery and perverting the course of justice.

Donald Halling, 53, was arrested in January by officers from Northumbria Police's economic crime unit.

A spokesman said: "A man has been charged with probate fraud offences and will appear before magistrates on August 11."

Also known as Keith Halling, of Central Avenue, South Shields, South Tyneside, he was a partner with Patterson, Glenton and Stracey.