Alan Eccles

Alan Eccles, a 44-year-old lawyer based in Hillington, Scotland, faced serious charges related to child sexual offences. In 2023, he engaged in online conversations discussing the sexual abuse of children and shared indecent photographs of minors, as well as an intimate image of a woman without consent. These actions came to light through an investigation, leading to his appearance at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Eccles, who had previously served as a lawyer for the Scottish Youth Parliament, pleaded guilty to the charges in June 2025. During the court proceedings, his defence lawyer, John Scullion KC, argued that the offences occurred during a period of poor mental health for Eccles, who accepted full responsibility for his actions. Sheriff Bruce Erroch described Eccles's behaviour as 'despicable' but, as a first offender, sentenced him to 300 hours of community service rather than imprisonment. Additionally, Eccles was subjected to an eight-month electronic tagging requirement, a three-year supervision order, and placement on the sex offenders' register for three years.

Despite the conviction, Eccles was permitted to continue practising law. The Law Society of Scotland renewed his practising certificate for the 2025-2026 period shortly after his sentencing, as procedures only mandate suspension for sentences of 12 months or more in prison. This decision drew widespread criticism. A legal insider expressed disgust, stating, 'The Law Society of Scotland have, this month, renewed Alan Eccles’ practising certificate for the year 2025-2026, just months after you reported that he plead guilty to child sex offences. I believe this warrants an investigation.' Scottish Conservative MSP Sharon Dowey called the outcome 'shameful,' noting, 'The public will be appalled to learn that this predatory offender has not only escaped jail but, as a result of his lenient sentence, is able to continue practising law.' Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill echoed these concerns, saying, 'It is worrying that Alan Eccles is still freely practising law given the appalling crimes he committed.'

Eccles's active business website portrayed him as a 'caring' and 'consummate professional,' featuring positive references from legal colleagues. However, his profile was temporarily removed from the Law Society's pages following the conviction before being reinstated. When approached by the Daily Record, Eccles commented that there was 'nothing unusual' about retaining his practising certificate and claimed unawareness of any related complaints. The Law Society's Executive Director of Regulation, Rachel Wood, explained that enhanced powers to suspend solicitors were forthcoming due to lobbying efforts, but current rules allowed Eccles to practise pending any disciplinary process initiated through the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission or the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal.