A LEGAL watchdog has referred complaints against Alex Salmond's QC for investigation by the Faculty of Advocates after he was filmed discussing details of the former First Minister's criminal trial on a train, it has been reported.
The development follows allegations by Rape Crisis Scotland that Gordon Jackson "undermined public confidence" by openly talking about the case and women involved.
Jackson was filmed discussing the case on the Edinburgh to Glasgow commuter service, sparking anger from victims groups.
Recorded in March, the film emerged after Salmond was acquitted of all charges at the High Court.
The recording of Jackson, a former Labour MSP, included comments about one of the complainants.
READ MORE: Former Scottish civil service chief defends culture under Alex Salmond
Jackson was heard to say: "We thought that eventually people might think she's a flake and not like her."
He went on to discuss strategy and said: "All I need to do is put a smell on her."
Rape Crisis Scotland made three complaints to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) watchdog on behalf of 10 women involved in Salmond's trial. According to a report in the Daily Record today it is understood the SLCC agreed there is "merit" in probing two of them.
They include the allegation Jackson, an advocate, undermined confidence in the administration of justice by naming two women, even though their identities are strictly protected.
Rape Crisis Scotland also alleged he had breached an advocate’s duty to the court.
A third complaint about Jackson's strategy to "put a smell" on one of the complainers during the trial was thrown out.
Complaints to the SLCC are looked at first to see if there is a case to investigate. The Rape Crisis Scotland allegations will now be passed to the Faculty of Advocates where a panel will sit in private to consider whether there was a breach of their code of conduct.
They can decide penalties ranging from a caution or a fine, to suspension or expulsion - which can then be appealed.
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