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Lady Chief Justice Warns Against Character References in Sentencing

9/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said it is unwise for legal professionals to give character references.
She will have her sentencing group examine character references after victims raised concerns about lack of challenge.
Law Society chief executive David Lavery provided a character reference for his cousin convicted of serious sexual offences.
Law Society members will vote on confidence in Lavery on Tuesday.

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Story summary

Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said it is unwise for legal professionals to give character references.
She will have her sentencing group examine character references after victims raised concerns about lack of challenge.
Law Society chief executive David Lavery provided a character reference for his cousin convicted of serious sexual offences.
Law Society members will vote on confidence in Lavery on Tuesday.