Donald Findlay QC is one of Scotland's leading defence lawyers
|
One of Scotland's leading criminal lawyers has been cleared of making sectarian comments at a Rangers supporters' club in Northern Ireland.
Donald Findlay QC was facing a disciplinary hearing after allegations that he offended Catholics by telling jokes about the Pope.
He appeared at a tribunal chaired by the Faculty of Advocates two weeks ago.
It concluded that the jokes would not offend a significant proportion of Scotland's Catholic community.
Mr Findlay was reported to the Faculty of Advocates following a dinner at the club in Larne in 2005.
Free speech
Two men, who were not at the function, complained about the incident based on comments they read in a tabloid newspaper.
Mr Findlay claimed the action against him infringed his human right to free speech.
The retired Judge Lord Coulsfield lead the disciplinary hearing.
On Monday he said the tribunal had come to the conclusion the complaint should be rejected.
The Faculty of Advocates could now consider a recommendation from the tribunal laying down guidelines for proper conduct of off-duty lawyers.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~16~RS~)
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~16~RS~)
One-Minute World News
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
