Michael Fyfe Wright

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Respondent was convicted of attempted extortion (for the sum of £25,000) at Haddington Sheriff Court on 27 November 2014 and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on 7 January 2015. The Tribunal found Section 53(1)(b) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 applied. Proceeding in the Respondent's absence, the Tribunal held that a conviction for attempted extortion is incompatible with being a solicitor and that the Respondent showed no real insight into the seriousness of his conduct. The Tribunal found him not a fit and proper person to remain on the Roll and struck his name off, with liability for expenses and the usual publicity. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Aggravating factors:

• Conviction for attempted extortion (for £25,000) incompatible with being a solicitor
• Lack of real insight into the seriousness of the conduct
• Failure to lodge answers or appear at the hearing

Mitigating factors:

• The Respondent's letters expressed some remorse