FACULTY RESIGNATION: Gordon Jackson resigns as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates - after video footage reveals top QC named two of his client’s accusers in train while talking about Alex Salmond sexual assault trial

Gordon Jackson steps down as Dean of Faculty of Advocates. SCOTLAND’S most senior QC has stood down from his position as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates after video footage published by the Sunday Times revealed remarks he made about his client Alex Salmond - and his accusers.

Gordon Jackson QC said on Friday last week, he was standing down as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates - because he is now under investigation for professional misconduct after he ‘self-referred’ his actions to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC).

In a statement published by the Faculty of Advocates on their Twitter feed, Mr Jackson said: “I have intimated my decision to resign as dean of the Faculty of Advocates, with effect from 30 June, 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.”

“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. I do not intend to make any further comment.”

It is thought the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission will eventually send the complaint to the Faculty’s Complaints Committee for consideration - as has previously occurred in complaints made to the SLCC against advocates.

However - the SLCC’s complaints process are known to many as biased, toothless and tediously slow - and it is still possible Jackson may survive as Dean of the Faculty until the 30 June date offered in his resignation statement unless he steps down of his own accord as is reflected in his statement.

The position as head of the Faculty of Advocates is one of the most coveted and influential roles in Scotland’s legal system - bringing with it responsibility for discipline of all Advocates, influence over how legislation is framed by the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament - and what many perceive as an ‘ownership’ of the selection process for Scotland’s top prosecutor – the Lord Advocate.

Gordon Jackson QC succeeded Scotland’s current top Law Officer Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC to the role of Dean of the Faculty of Advocates in 2016.

Gordon Jackson - once a Scottish Labour MSP, member of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee, and who has represented among others, members of Scotland’s criminal underworld, and politicians - will continue working as a QC after stepping down as dean of the Faculty of Advocates.

In the video footage published by the Sunday Times - Alex Salmond, the former SNP leader and client of Gordon Jackson - was referred to as “a sex pest” and an “objectionable bully” - before being acquitted of all charges in his sex offences trial last week.

During the video footage, Gordon Jackson also names two of the women who alleged sexual assault by Salmond, despite strict rules that protect the anonymity of women in alleged sexual offence cases.

During the filmed conversation, Jackson mentioned his strategy for cross examination of one woman in the trial of Mr Salmond as being "All I need to do is put a smell on her."

On March 29, Rape Crisis Scotland issued a statement in connection with media reports of Mr Jackson’s comments:

A spokesperson 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 otherwise daunting and intimidating process. For this to be undermined by such a senior lawyer in a public place in such a high-profile trial is horrifying and completely unacceptable.

Jackson is Dean of the Faculty of Advocates and we cannot see how this behaviour – caught on film – is in keeping with the Faculty of Advocate’s own guidance on conduct. There should be an immediate investigation.

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: “All I need to do is put a smell on her.” This statement alone confirms the fears of many, 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.”