One of Scotland’s top criminal defence lawyers has been fined £8,000 and will be subject to a severe written censure after being found guilty of professional misconduct.
A disciplinary tribunal of the Faculty of Advocates ruled against Brian McConnachie KC last month following allegations he sent sexually explicit text messages.
The high-profile advocate, who recently represented double murderer Andrew Innes, faced expulsion from the faculty and could have been suspended from practising as a lawyer for up to five years.
However, the Faculty of Advocates discipline tribunal concluded: “With regard to sanction, the tribunal has decided that Mr McConnachie will be subject to a severe written censure in respect of each of the heads of complaint upheld by the tribunal, and required to pay a fine of £8,000.”
Rape Crisis Scotland, which previously welcomed the faculty’s finding of professional misconduct, branded the punishment a “complete disgrace”.
‘It’s a slap on the wrist’
A spokesperson for the charity added: “A £8,000 fine for a lawyer of Mr McConnachie’s means is not an appropriate sanction for his behaviour, it’s a slap on the wrist.
“It in no way reflects the seriousness of his behaviour.
“There is no place for misogyny at any level of the criminal justice system and where this behaviour does happen, it must be taken incredibly seriously and met with robust consequences.”
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Top lawyer guilty of professional misconduct over ‘sexually explicit text messages’
Mr McConnachie was said to have sent a message about the head of Rape Crisis Scotland, Sandy Brindley.
The spokesperson added: “A personal apology to our chief executive simply doesn’t cut it.”
Mr McConnachie has been contacted for comment.
