Michael Fyfe Wright

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

The Respondent was convicted of attempted extortion (for £25,000) at Haddington Sheriff Court and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. The Law Society brought a complaint under Section 53(1)(b) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980. The Respondent did not lodge answers and did not appear. The Tribunal found the conviction incompatible with being a solicitor, that he lacked insight into the seriousness, and that he was not a fit and proper person to remain on the Roll. His name was struck from the Roll and he was found liable for expenses (taxed on a time and line basis). No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• No standing bail or surety for client

Aggravating factors:

• Conviction for attempted extortion for the sum of £25,000
• Sentenced to 12 months imprisonment
• Letters written by Respondent demonstrated no real insight into the seriousness of the conduct

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent expressed remorse in his letters