A solicitor for more than 30 years has consented to be struck off following his conviction for child sexual abuse offences.

Donald Anthony Ramsbottom agreed with the Solicitors Regulation Authority that the seriousness of his misconduct required him to be removed from the roll. The agreed outcome was certified by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal following a hearing last month.

Ramsbottom, admitted to the roll in 1988, was convicted last October of two offences of sexual assault of a child and one offence of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. He was sentenced in November to four months’ imprisonment which was suspended for 24 months. 

He was also ordered to undertake a rehabilitation activity requirment, ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge and £350 costs, and was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for seven years. 

The tribunal did not disclose details of the offences or the court where he appeared.

He was found in breach of two SRA principles: failing to act with integrity and failing to behave to a way that maintains the trust the public places in him and the provision of legal services.

The tribunal judgment added: '[He] has been convicted of serious offences of a sexual nature. In relation to culpability, all of his convictions arose from conduct over which he had direct control and which would not be expected of a solicitor.' 

Ramsbottom has agreed to pay £1,120 costs.

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