Law firm partner William Boyle, who runs Boyles Solicitors in Tayside, is accused of assaulting a 55-year-old woman to her injury and permanent disfigurement. The 61-year-old appeared in private on petition at Arbroath Sheriff Court. He made no plea or declaration and was committed for further examination. Boyle was released on bail ahead of further court dates being set. Boyle was charged following an alleged disturbance at his office in Arbroath’s High Street on April 3 this year. Boyle’s firm has offices in Dundee, Arbroath and Forfar. He has practised in the legal profession for more than 30 years - with his firm previously winning the Lloyds TSB Law Society of Scotland Business of Law Awards. They provide civil and criminal law services across the east coast of Scotland. The Law Society of Scotland confirmed it was aware of the case. If found guilty Boyle could be sanctioned by the body - including being stripped of his right to practise as a solicitor. Valerie McEwan, communications manager for the society, said: “At the moment as Mr Boyle is going through the court process the society would not take any action against him. “He may be found innocent and, if so, there would be no case to answer. “At the verdict and sentencing stage, if he is found guilty, the Law Society would step in at that point. “If a complaint was raised against him it would go through the Scottish Legal Commission, who would do their own investigation. “There is potential he would have to go before an employment tribunal which could ultimately stop him practicing. “There are a range of sanctions that could be put in place against a solicitor who is found guilty of misconduct.”
