A JUDGE convicted of being drunk and disorderly has had his law practice closed because of allegations of financial irregularities.

David Messenger, 50, was also convicted of two counts of obstructing a police officer and criminal damage following a row with police in a kebab shop, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, last year.

He lost an appeal against the conviction in March and was ordered to pay more than £9,000 in costs, fines and compensation.

Mr Messenger, a deputy district county court judge, has now had the offices of his law firm, on Valley Bridge Parade, Scarborough, closed by the Law Society.

Geoffrey Negus, a spokesman for the society's Office for the Supervision of Solicitors, said: "On Friday, we closed down his firm on suspicion of serious financial irregularities. His practising certificate has been suspended. In due course he will appear before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

"The closure of his firm is not related to the kebab shop incident.

"The allegations that the Law Society is making against him are potentially much more serious than anything that might stem from his conviction."

A law firm in Leeds has been appointed as an agent to wind down the practice and disperse the files.

No one from Mr Messenger's practice could be contacted for comment yesterday.