Salmond's sex assault trial lawyer found guilty of professional misconduct

Gordon Jackson QC was captured on mobile phone footage discussing the case on a train in 2020. 

Alex Salmond’s sex assault trial lawyer Gordon Jackson QC found guilty of professional misconduct Getty Images

Alex Salmond’s lawyer has been found guilty of professional misconduct after discussing the former first minister’s sex assault trial on a train. 

Gordon Jackson QC was captured on mobile phone footage discussing the case on a Glasgow to Edinburgh train in 2020. 

The footage showed Jackson making remarks about Salmond, as well as identifying two of his client’s accusers. 

The lawyer referred himself to Scotland’s legal watchdog after his comments were revealed by The Sunday Times and resigned as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates. 

At the time, Jackson said: “I… deeply regret the distress and difficulties which have been caused.”

On Monday, the Faculty of Advocates confirmed that “a finding of professional misconduct had been made regarding Gordon Jackson QC”.

A spokesperson added that as the process was ongoing, it would not be appropriate for the Faculty to comment further on the matter. 

Jackson, a former Labour MSP, led Salmond’s successful defence against 13 sexual offence charges in the High Court.

The former first minister was cleared of all charges by the jury – found not guilty on 12 counts, including an attempted rape charge, and not proven on a single count of sexual assault with intent to rape.

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