Virginia Wood

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

Virginia Wood, a solicitor formerly employed by the CPS, was convicted on 5 September 2007 of multiple driving-related offences and failing to surrender to custody, receiving 17 weeks' imprisonment. The SRA alleged breach of Rule 1.06 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct 2007. The Tribunal proceeded in her absence (she was hospitalised for depression), found the uncontested allegation substantiated, and, to protect the public and the profession's reputation, ordered indefinite suspension. Costs were reduced from the amount sought and fixed at £1,200. No dishonesty finding was made.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Serious criminal offences including driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop/report an accident, driving uninsured and failing to surrender to custody
• Custodial sentence of 17 weeks imprisonment imposed
• Second offence committed while on bail; left scene of accident
• Failed to attend court showing disregard for the court

Mitigating factors:

• Uncontested; admitted facts and allegation and apologised
• Personal difficulties: acrimonious divorce, depression, alcohol, two miscarriages, disclosure of childhood abuse
• Had paid her debt to society through imprisonment
• Poor health, admitted to hospital at time of hearing
• Seeking professional help