Salmond QC refers himself to watchdog over train blunders
»»QC names female witnesses & reveals court smear tactics »»He then describes ex-first minister as ‘objectionable bully’ »»He refers himself to watchdog after secret film emerges
ALEX Salmond’s QC has reported himself to a legal watchdog after he named female complainants in the former SNP leader’s trial.
In secret footage, Gordon Jackson revealed court tactics to discredit a witness, saying: “All I need to do is put a smell on her.”
The former Labour MSP, whose comments were made on a train, was also heard describing Salmond as an “objectionable bully”.
After the comments came to light, Jackson, dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “I’ve decided the proper course of action is to self-refer this matter to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission. It will be for the commission to consider this matter.”
Former first minister Salmond was acquitted last week of sexual offences against nine women after being defended by Jackson.
After the trial, Salmond paid tribute to his “brilliant” legal team, who he said had been “absolutely exceptional”.
But the Sunday Times yesterday revealed footage filmed by a commuter on a train which showed Jackson making inappropriate comments.
Although the identities of the nine complainants are strictly protected, he named two during a conversation with an unnamed person.
Within earshot of fellow passengers, he reportedly went into further personal details that made one easy to identify.
He also said about one witness: “See, we thought eventually people might think she’s a flake and not like her.”
Jackson also criticised Salmond, saying: “He was quite an objectionable bully to work with in a way I don’t think Nicola [Sturgeon] is. I think he was a nasty person to work for – a nightmare to work for.”
He then appeared to say Salmond could be seen as “a sex pest but he’s not charged with that”.
The Faculty of Advocates’ code of conduct says the actions of members must not “impair the trust and the confidence which others place in him and his profession”.
Advocates must also “respect the confidentiality of all information that becomes known to him”.
Rape Crisis Scotland said: “Protecting the anonymity of all people who report sexual crimes is of critical importance and is one of few reassurances that can be offered as part of an intimidating
process. For this to be undermined by such a senior lawyer in a public place in such a high-profile trial is horrifying.
“There should be an immediate investigation.”
The statement added: “One of the most chilling aspects of this is Jackson’s statement about his strategy for the cross-examination of one of the women in the trial. This alone confirms the fears of many survivors who do not report for fear of what would be done to them in court.
“Trials should be based on evidence, not on smears and attacks on character. We need an urgent overhaul of how these cases are dealt with.”
In his statement, Jackson added: “I don’t regard Alex Salmond as a ‘sex pest’ and any contrary impression is wrong. I also deeply regret the distress and difficulties which have been caused but given the reference to the SLCC it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.”
Roddy Dunlop, vice-dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “The faculty takes this matter extremely seriously. It warrants investigation, but as the dean has self-referred to the commission, it wouldn’t be appropriate for the faculty to comment further.”