Alerts

Warning: Website and communications misusing the name and details of Ashtons Legal LLP, in relation to the supposed recovery of previous lost investment funds

9 October 2026

The website 'www.ashtonslegal.net' claiming to be associated with Ashtons Legal LLP, with linked correspondence from people using/misusing the names "Mark Hine", "Brian Thorn" and "Darryl Brensen" offering services to recover lost investments.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a website was operating and falsely presenting itself as being associated with a genuine law firm (see below). We understand the website address was 'www.ashtonslegal.net' although the website appears to be no longer active.

The SRA has also seen copies of linked emails or messages, that we understand have been sent to members of the public in relation to supposedly recovering lost cryptocurrency / investment funds. Email addresses used to send the linked emails were: darryl_brenson@ashtonslegal.org, markhine@ashtonslegal.org, brianthorn@ashtonslegal.org, brianthorn.430@gmail.com and info@ashtonslegal.com. The emails falsely claim to be linked to the genuine firm and misuse its genuine business address, while some misuse the exact name of one genuine solicitor (see below for genuine solicitor details).

Telephone or 'WhatsApp' numbers provided within emails or screenshots seen by the SRA are: a) +44 7424127321 and +447346213941 (for 'Darryl Brenson'); b) +44 7424127321 and +447346977574 (for 'Mark Hine'); and (c) +44 7584 826485 (for 'Brian Thorn').

The SRA does not regulate an individual with the name "Brian Thorn" or "Darryl Brensen". Any business or transaction through the above contact details or website is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA (but see below in relation to genuine solicitors with the same or similar names).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors by the name of Ashtons Legal LLP (SRA number 8003918). The genuine firm uses the email domain @ashtonslegal.co.uk and the genuine firm's website is www.ashtonslegal.co.uk. Its head office address is The Long Barn, Fornham Business Court, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1SL and its telephone number is 01284762331.

Ashtons Legal LLP has confirmed they have no genuine connection to the emails or website referred to in the alert above.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor named Mark Hine (SRA number 601573). The genuine Mark Hine is not employed at the genuine firm Ashtons Legal LLP and has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the website or emails referred to in the above alert.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor named Brian Thorne (SRA number 113374). The genuine solicitor Brian Thorne is no longer practising and has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the website or emails referred to in the above alert.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.