Lawyer fined for vandalising cars

Paul Hutcheson was told he had let down the legal profession

A senior Aberdeenshire lawyer who damaged 11 parked cars after getting drunk at a party has been fined £1,000.

Paul Hutcheson ripped windscreen wipers from the vehicles following his mother's 80th birthday celebrations at a Perthshire golf club.

He was sentenced at Perth Sheriff Court after admitting the offence.

The 43-year-old, who is a partner with major legal firm Aberdein Considine, was told that he had let himself and his profession down.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said he had to impose a heavy fine to avoid the legal system being seen as "looking after its own."

Damage costs

He told Hutcheson: "He is a 43-year-old professional, who, for want of a better phrase, society expects a certain standard of behaviour from.

"This would be bad enough if it was some 17-year-old who had too much to drink.

"To some extent it is a difficult situation. If you are in his position and the court deals with it on the basis that 'these things happen' then it brings the whole system into question."

He added: "It raises the suggestion that the legal system as a whole is looking after its own. That is the position he has placed himself in."

He has made full restitution to those affected and has apologised both to them and to us Aberdein Considine & Co spokesman

Sheriff Foulis fined the legal partner £1,000 after confirming that Hutcheson had taken steps to pay the full £872.50 damage costs.

He had previously admitted a total of seven charges relating to the wrecking spree in Perth in Sunday, 20 May.

Perth Sheriff Court had heard how Hutcheson, from Bieldside, Aberdeen, tore the windscreen wipers from 11 parked cars after the party at Craigie Hill Golf Club.

When he was caught in the act by one victim he simply handed over his bank card and told him to take the cost of the damage.

The solicitor has kept his job as a partner in the Inverurie office of Aberdein Considine & Co, the country's biggest residential property law firm.

A spokesman said: "He has made full restitution to those affected and has apologised both to them and to us.

"He is deeply ashamed by his actions, by the distress caused to the car owners and also the damage done to his own and to his family's reputation, as well as to the reputation of our firm.

"We have to accept that this unfortunate matter was as a result of momentary madness and we will support Paul as a valued partner through this difficult time."