Jackson to step down as head of lawyers’ group after video storm

ALEX Salmond’s QC is to resign from the top role in a lawyers’ organisation – after being filmed in public discussing the former first minister’s trial.

Gordon Jackson will stand down as dean of Faculty of Advocates by the end of June at the latest.

The former Labour MSP referred himself to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission after he was caught on camera making remarks on a train during the course of the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh last month. Salmond was cleared of all charges.

In the video, Jackson appears to say Salmond could be seen as “a sex pest but he’s not charged with that”.

Footage was obtained by the Sunday Times newspaper, leading to calls for a full investigation.

Jackson later said he does not regard the former first minister in that way.

In a statement announcing his resignation, he said: “I have intimated my decision to resign as dean of the Faculty of Advocates, with effect from June 30 at the latest.

“It would not, however, be appropriate for me to remain as dean at a time when the faculty was considering disciplinary proceedings regarding my conduct.

BY ANDY PHILIP

Accordingly, if, before that date, the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission remits the recent complaint for consideration by the Faculty’s Complaints Committee, I will stand down as dean immediately.”

Salmond was acquitted of attempted rape and a series of sexual assaults – including one with intent to rape – following an 11-day trial.

The jury returned not guilty verdicts on 12 charges and returned a not proven verdict on a charge of sexual assault with intent to rape.

Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, had said she was “extremely shocked” by Jackson’s train comments.

Although the identities of the nine complainants are protected, Jackson named two during the filmed conversation.

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 in the course of professional activity” and not bring the

faculty into disrepute.