David Blair-Wilson

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

The respondent solicitor was convicted at the High Court of Justiciary of four offences committed while acting as a solicitor visiting a prisoner: attempting to bring mobile phones, SIM cards, chargers and earphones into HMP Saughton, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin (Class B), diazepam (Class C) and steroids (Class C). On 17 May 2013 he was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. The Tribunal found Section 53(1)(b) of the 1980 Act applied. The averment of professional misconduct was deleted; the complaint proceeded solely on the conviction basis. The respondent did not attend or lodge answers, and showed no remorse. The Tribunal concluded he was not a fit person to be a solicitor and struck his name from the Roll. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• No standing bail or surety for client

Aggravating factors:

• Offences committed while acting in role as a solicitor visiting a prisoner
• Serious offences prosecuted in the High Court resulting in four years' imprisonment
• Conduct a danger to the public and seriously damaging to the reputation of the legal profession
• No remorse or appreciation of seriousness shown