Lawyers to refuse sex offender cases
2 Jun 06
Glasgow Bar Association votes unanimously for move in continued row over legal aid
The Glasgow Bar Association has voted to refuse to defend sex offenders in the continuing row over legal aid payments.
The move was agreed unanimously at a special meeting of the association - the largest group of court lawyers in Scotland - yesterday. The meeting was attended by representatives of more than 30 law firms in Glasgow and the surrounding area.
As from 1 August the solicitors will refuse to act for those accused of sex offences, in protest at the Executive's continuing failure to implement the revised legal aid payment structure which is integral to the reforms of the justice system, said the GBA's president Gerry McClay. He added that he did not think the GBA would be the last body to undertake such a step.
By law, accused in such cases are not permitted to defend themselves, to avoid distress to victims and witnesses.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Executive said it had been made clear to the legal profession that there was already a deal on the table to increase legal aid fees and that the way to secure a fair and appropriate outcome was continued talks.