One of Scotland’s leading criminal defence lawyers was fined £8,000 and given a severe written censure for professional misconduct.
A Faculty of Advocates disciplinary tribunal ruled against Brian McConnachie KC last month for allegedly sending sexually explicit text messages.
Rape Crisis Scotland calls Brian McConnachie KC’s professional misconduct conviction a “complete disgrace.”
The prominent attorney, who recently represented double murderer Andrew Innes, was threatened with expulsion from the faculty and a five-year suspension from practicing law.
However, the Faculty of Advocates discipline tribunal concluded: “About sanction, the tribunal has decided that Mr. McConnachie will be subject to a severe written censure and an £8,000 fine for each of the upheld heads of the complaint.”
Rape Crisis Scotland called the penalty a “complete disgrace” after applauding the faculty’s finding of professional misconduct.
The punishment is a smack on the wrist.
A spokesperson for the charity added, “An £8,000 fine for an attorney of Mr. McConnachie’s means is not an appropriate punishment for his behavior; it is a slap on the wrist.”
It in no way reflects the gravity of his conduct.
Misogyny in the criminal justice system is unacceptable and must be punished severely.
Mr. McConnachie allegedly sent a message to Sandy Brindley, the director of Rape Crisis Scotland.
A spokesperson added, “Personal apologies to our chief executive officer are simply insufficient.”
