Andrew Gerald Lingard

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

The Respondent, a solicitor, was convicted at the High Court of Justiciary of the rape of his partner and two charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices towards children, and sentenced to seven years imprisonment plus a 10-year Non-Harassment Order. Under Section 53(1)(b) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980, the Tribunal found the requirements met. The Tribunal held he was not a fit and proper person to practise and struck his name from the Roll. The Tribunal refused motions for a private hearing and for anonymity, upholding the principle of open justice against ECHR Article 8 and UNCRC arguments. The Respondent was found liable for expenses, to be taxed. No express finding of dishonesty was made; the conduct was described as exhibiting a complete lack of integrity.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No standing bail or surety for client

Aggravating factors:

• Convicted of three serious offences including rape and offences against children
• Sentenced to seven years imprisonment with a 10-year Non-Harassment Order
• Character and gravity of offences incompatible with being a solicitor
• Brought the profession into disrepute

Mitigating factors:

• No previous finding of professional misconduct or unsatisfactory professional conduct
• Cooperated with the Law Society from the outset and admitted the conduct at an early stage
• Accepted he would be struck off and offered to remove his name from the Roll