Scotland Yard is investigating a disgraced London barrister turned pro-Putin commentator for allegedly forging a letter from the first female head of the Supreme Court.

Alexander Mercouris is said to have forged the signature of Baroness Hale, the President of the Supreme Court, on a bogus document as part of his attempts to fool a former client.

Lorna Jamous accused Mr Mercouris of fraud following “appalling” behaviour towards her in a case which led to him being disbarred.

The 56-year-old was struck off by the Bar Standards Board (BRB) in 2012 after making a series of bizarre claims about the then Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.

Lorna Jamous says Mr Mercouris caused her psychological and financial damage after lying to her in an action she brought against Westminster Council when her son was taken into care for a year.