A WELL-KNOWN Selby lawyer has been declared bankrupt, it was revealed today.

Michael Bebb's offices, in New Lane, are now officially closed after the Law Society stepped in to remove case files and wind down the practice.

The beleaguered solicitor was struck off by a disciplinary tribunal in April, but had continued to practice because he lodged an appeal.

Last month, however, his request for a "stay of execution" on the striking off order was refused and he was forced to put his one-man business on hold until the Appeal Court hearing in November.

Now Mr Bebb, a 49-year-old father-of-three, has been declared insolvent after a creditor successfully petitioned York County Court for his bankruptcy.

A Law Society spokesman said they had appointed Parker March solicitors, in Selby, to help "wind down" the practice.

He said: "We had to intervene because there were still some clients' files in Mr Bebb's offices and we needed them to achieve the disposal of the practice."

Simon Rounding, of Parker March, said: "We are the depository for all his documents, papers and titled deeds.

"We're in the process of contacting clients and, if necessary, advising them to seek the advice of another solicitor.

"Michael has been very co-operative and right to the end his concern was for his clients rather than himself. It's all very sad."

Hull chartered accountants, HLB Kidsons, has been appointed by the official receiver to collect any of Mr Bebb's assets and pay out creditors.

Alec Pillmoor, a partner in HLB Kidsons, said: "I anticipate there will be a dividend to creditors, but I wouldn't like to say how much at this early stage.

"There should be no detriment to Mr Bebb's clients."

Mr Bebb, who has practised in Selby for 16 years, was struck off the professional roll after refusing to pay a former client £400 compensation.

He was also said to have misled another customer over a court case, which he denies, and not replied to letters from other legal firms demanding prompt action for their clients.

He says he has now paid the client her £400, while the delays in replying to the letters happened when he was snowed under with work.

It is not clear whether Mr Bebb intends to pursue his appeal against the striking off order.

The Law Society spokesman said: "The appeal hearing is still scheduled for November 20 in London's High Court, although we haven't heard anything from him recently."

Mr Bebb, who lives in Snaith, was unavailable for comment.

Updated: 14:06 Friday, September 28, 2001