Virginia Wood

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

Virginia Wood, admitted 2002 and formerly a CPS solicitor, was convicted on 5 September 2007 of six offences including drink-driving, failing to stop/report an accident, driving without due care, uninsured driving, and failing to surrender to custody, and sentenced to 17 weeks' imprisonment with a three-year driving disqualification. The SRA alleged a breach of Rule 1.06 of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007. The Tribunal proceeded in her absence (she was hospitalised for depression) and found the uncontested allegation substantiated. No express finding of dishonesty was made. Emphasising public protection rather than further punishment, the Tribunal ordered an indefinite suspension and costs of £1,200.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Convicted of multiple serious driving offences including driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop/report an accident, driving without due care, using a vehicle while uninsured, and failing to surrender to custody
• Sentenced to 17 weeks' imprisonment (custodial sentence served)
• Second offence committed while on bail; failed to attend court showing disregard for the court

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the facts and allegation; did not contest
• Expressed regret and apology
• Suffering from depression and serious personal difficulties (acrimonious divorce, two miscarriages, disclosure of a repressed childhood offence)
• Already punished by the criminal courts (paid her debt to society)
• Seeking professional help for her problems