Key Points
- Solicitor convicted stalking leaseholder client.
- Horwich probe links lease dispute harassment.
- 2026 trial reveals persistent threatening messages.
- Court imposes suspended sentence fine.
- Professional regulator reviews solicitor conduct.
Horwich (Bolton Today) February 12, 2026 - A solicitor investigated in connection with a contentious leaseholder dispute in Horwich has been found guilty of stalking, marking a significant development in a case that has gripped the local community amid ongoing concerns over property rights and professional ethics in 2026. The conviction, handed down at Bolton Crown Court, stems from a campaign of harassment against a former client, highlighting tensions between legal professionals and their clients in leasehold matters. This outcome follows a two-year probe into irregularities in Horwich lease agreements, where the solicitor's actions allegedly escalated into criminal behaviour.
What led to the solicitor's stalking conviction?
The case centres on David Hargreaves, a 52-year-old solicitor practising in Horwich, who was probed by authorities over his handling of leasehold agreements for several properties in the town. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Bolton Today, the stalking charges arose after a leaseholder, Emma Radcliffe, lodged complaints detailing unwanted communications and surveillance following a dispute over service charges in her Horwich flat.
Court documents reveal that Hargreaves sent over 50 unsolicited emails and made repeated calls to Radcliffe between January 2024 and October 2025, often referencing the lease probe. Judge Amanda Cartwright described the behaviour as “a clear breach of trust that crossed into criminal territory” during sentencing on February 11, 2026. As detailed by Mark Thompson of Manchester Evening News, the prosecution, led by Crown Prosecutor Laura Bennett, presented evidence including logged IP addresses tracing messages to Hargreaves' office IP and witness testimonies from Radcliffe's neighbours who spotted a vehicle matching his near her home.
The leaseholder probe itself, initiated by Greater Manchester Police in late 2024, examined claims of inflated service charges and opaque lease extensions in Horwich's Victorian-era properties. Hargreaves represented the freeholder, Horwich Estates Ltd, during this period.
Who is the solicitor at the centre of this case?
David Hargreaves qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and operated Hargreaves Legal Services from a high street office in Horwich town centre. According to Local Democracy Reporter Gemma Wright of BBC North West, Hargreaves specialised in property law, handling numerous leasehold cases across Bolton and surrounding areas.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) had previously flagged Hargreaves in 2023 for minor administrative lapses in client funds, though no action was taken then. In 2026, following the guilty verdict, the SRA announced an investigation.
“We take allegations of criminal conduct by regulated professionals extremely seriously,” stated SRA Director of Investigations Rachel Hayes in an official release cited by Wright.
Hargreaves pleaded not guilty initially but changed his plea mid-trial, citing personal stress from the leaseholder probe. As per Bolton FM News Editor Chris Patel, Hargreaves' firm managed leases for over 100 properties in Horwich, many involving controversial ground rents.
“This conviction tarnishes the reputation of local conveyancing,” Patel quoted Leasehold Knowledge Partnership director Martin Wheatley as saying.
Hargreaves declined to comment post-verdict, but his counsel, Barrister Simon Locke, argued in mitigation that “the messages were misguided attempts at resolution, not harassment”.
What does the Horwich leaseholder probe involve?
The probe, codenamed Operation Leaseguard, began in November 2024 after multiple Horwich residents complained to Trading Standards about exploitative lease terms. Investigative Journalist Alan Burrows of The Bolton News reported that it focused on Horwich Estates Ltd, owned by local developer Robert Kline, and their solicitors, including Hargreaves. Evidence included forged extension consents and charges exceeding market rates by up to 300 per cent.
“Leaseholders were trapped in escalating fees with no escape,” said resident spokesperson Lisa Morgan to Burrows.
By 2026, the probe had identified 47 affected properties, with police seizing documents from Hargreaves' office in December 2025. No fraud charges have been filed against Hargreaves yet, but Kline faces civil claims.
Greater Manchester Police Detective Inspector Karen Shaw confirmed to Burrows: “The stalking case is separate, but the probe continues unabated.”
Media coverage from North West Tonight anchor Roger Johns highlighted community impact: Horwich residents formed the Horwich Leasehold Action Group in 2025, petitioning for reforms under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
How did the stalking behaviour manifest?
Prosecutors outlined a pattern starting with professional emails turning personal. Laura Bennett detailed in opening statements, as reported by Sarah Jenkins of Bolton Today, that Hargreaves followed Radcliffe on social media, created anonymous accounts, and left voicemails “demanding she drop the probe complaints”. Logs showed 28 calls in one month.
Emma Radcliffe testified: “He appeared at my son's school fete, claiming coincidence, but I knew better.”
Digital forensics linked devices to his home IP, per Mark Thompson in Manchester Evening News.
Defence claimed coincidence, but Judge Cartwright rejected this: “The volume and persistence indicate obsession, not accident.”
As covered by Gemma Wright of BBC North West, experts testified on coercive control parallels in professional disputes.
What was the court's sentence and rationale?
On February 11, 2026, Bolton Crown Court imposed a 12-month suspended sentence, 200 hours' unpaid work, and a £5,000 fine on Hargreaves. A five-year restraining order bars contact with Radcliffe.
Simon Locke hailed it “a merciful outcome recognising stress factors”, per Chris Patel of Bolton FM. Prosecutor Bennett sought jail time, arguing “deter deterrence for professionals”. Victim surcharge and costs totalled £8,200, payable by March 2026.
What are the implications for the legal profession?
The SRA's probe could lead to striking off. Rachel Hayes told Alan Burrows of The Bolton News: “Criminal convictions trigger mandatory reviews.”
Similar cases, like the 2025 Preston solicitor disbarment, set precedents.
Martin Wheatley warned of “leasehold solicitors' vulnerability to disputes turning toxic”. Horwich cases spotlighted under the 2026 Leasehold Enforcement Guidelines, mandating better oversight.
How has the community responded to the verdict?
Horwich residents rallied outside court. Lisa Morgan said: “Justice for leaseholders at last.” Tom Ellis plans compensation suits. Horwich Town Council called for inquiries, per Roger Johns on North West Tonight. Local businesses report unease; Hargreaves' office shuttered temporarily.
This incident underscores leasehold reform urgency amid 2026's housing crisis. Government data shows 4.5 million UK leaseholders facing disputes. Leasehold Minister Matthew Pennycook pledged action, indirectly referencing such cases.
Media consensus: professionalism must prevail.