A CORRUPT former solicitor from Fulham has been jailed for four years for his part in trying to sell a stolen painting worth half a million pounds.

Anthony Blok, 72, tried to persuade art galleries to buy the painting over a 10-year period after it was stolen in 1993 from an elderly lady who lived alone on the Isle of Man.

Detectives from the Met Police's art and antiques unit spent years investigating Blok, of Gowan Avenue, who 'continuously abused the concept of legal professional privilege' by also hiding his client's identity and involvement in the theft.

Blok, who had been practising for 48 years and was a partner in a Camberwell law firm, lied about his client in the High Court and even tried to frame an innocent man, according to police. He also tried to bail out another client charged with money laundering using £75,000 handed to him at court by the daughters of the accused.

He was sentenced to four years in prison at Croydon Crown Court last week for money laundering, perjury and perverting the course of justice.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Ponting said: "Blok's criminality spread across a significant period of time.

"Finally bringing him to justice should send a clear message to all those involved in this type of criminality that we will not tolerate anyone who is breaking the law, no matter what their age or profession."

The painting has still not been recovered.