Top QC cleared over 'sectarian' jokes

Donald Findlay, QC, a noted after-dinner speaker, had faced a disciplinary tribunal after allegations that his quips about the Pope and a nun had brought his profession into disrepute.

After a complaint to professional body the Faculty of Advocates, a tribunal was set up, headed by retired judge Lord Coulsfield, to try Mr Findlay on a charge of professional misconduct.

The complaint has now been dismissed and it is understood no further action will be taken.

Two jokes were at the centre of the controversy, one of which allegedly involved Mr Findlay wafting clouds of smoke from his pipe, then coughing, spluttering and saying: "F*** sake, has another Pope died?"

Last month, Mr Findlay insisted the jokes that led to the tribunal had been part of an extensive repertoire he used in after dinner speeches.

However, Hugh Lynch, a former headteacher who made a formal complaint against Mr Findlay, described him as "an uncouth moron" and suggested it would be a "cover-up of sectarianism" if the lawyer escaped sanction for his conduct at a Rangers FC supporters' club function in Larne, Northern Ireland, in 2005.

Mr Findlay denied setting out to cause offence, or bringing his profession into disrepute by his jokes but offered an unreserved apology. The QC was not available for comment yesterday.

The Faculty of Advocates' tribunal rejected the complaint, saying: "It is clear that the two particular jokes complained of do not amount to conduct which either did or would reasonably be expected to give rise to offence to a significant proportion of the Roman Catholic community in Scotland."

If the ruling had gone the other way, one of the most colourful figures at the Scottish Bar might have faced a fine of several thousands pounds or could even have been struck off.

In the wake of complaints about his Larne speech, Mr Findlay had to give up his role as chair of Faculty Services, the business arm of the professional association.

It is the third time he has been disciplined. In May 1999, he was told off for saying he was "appalled" that jurors could spare only half an hour of their time to convict a client of murder.

In the same year, he was fined 3,500 and had to quit as vice-chairman of Rangers FC after singing sectarian songs to celebrate a cup final victory over rival club Celtic.

Speaking from his home in Stirling yesterday, Mr Lynch said he was deeply disappointed by the tribunal's decision.

"I think this is a serious setback in the fight against sectarianism and bigotry in Scotland," he said.

"I don't think there is any doubt in my mind that he has brought the faculty into disrepute."