A penniless solicitor from Swindon who described himself as the Weakest Link for failing to pay compensation to a client has been banned from practising law.

Michael Read, 56, was ordered to pay £200 to a customer who was unhappy with his work, the Solicitors' Disciplinary Tribunal heard.

But the matter remains unresolved 18 months later despite numerous demands from the Law Society to pay up.

Read also ignored an order to compensate another law firm £1,617, the hearing was told.

The lawyer ran into the difficulties while running his own practice, MJ Read Solicitors, from premises in Alexander House, Fleming Way.

Ian Ryan, for the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors, said Read was given 21 days to pay the compensation to the client.

But Read failed to comply with the order made in May 2001.

Addressing the tribunal, Mr Ryan said: "It is quite clear from correspondence that Mr Read has suffered in the past from a depressive illness.

"This is a factor to be taken into consideration. It may be that he was unable to work and obviously unable to earn a living."

Read, of Clifton Street, Old Town, Swindon, admitted two allegations of failing to comply with an adjudicator's decision.

He told the hearing yesterday that his practice suffered after he was diagnosed with depression and hospitalised for two months last year.

Read added: "I am absolutely penniless. I have had to live on family support for my day to day living.

"I'm stuck. I'm trapped. I am the 'Weakest Link' if I can put it in those terms.

"I can't obtain employment. I have lost my home.

"I did not deliberately do this. If I could get back into work I would pay my bills."

But after a brief deliberation the tribunal ordered Read be suspended indefinitely from practice.

They also ordered Read to pay the outstanding claims to the client and the law firm, Shoosmiths.

He must also pay costs of the case, which will be assessed later.