UUP leader calls for David Lavery to stand down from Law Society

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows has called for the chief executive of the Law Society to stand down "with immediate effect".

David Lavery provided a character reference for his cousin William Lloyd-Lavery, a former teacher jailed for sexually assaulting four girls, all aged around 13.

On Tuesday, Lavery was sacked from his role as a human rights commissioner but he remains in post as chief executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

Lavery has apologised for a "serious error in judgement on my part" but Burrows said Lavery's actions were "unforgivable".

Lavery provided a character reference to a court after the former schoolteacher was convicted earlier this year.

Lloyd-Lavery, of Richmond Avenue in Lisburn, was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault against four of his former pupils.

In a statement, Lavery apologised for a "serious error in judgement" and added he profoundly regrets causing hurt and distress to the victims in this case.

Lloyd-Lavery previously taught history at Richmond Lodge School in Belfast and was later a press officer for the UUP.

Burrows said Lavery's actions were "unforgivable" saying "a lapse doesn't cut it for me".

"This wasn't a momentary decision," Burrows told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme.

"This is a very experienced professional, he sits in a very experienced senior position in the Law Society, and he would have deliberated over this decision... it is unforgivable."

Burrows added he was concerned what signal this sends to vulnerable victims.

He said the Law Society "need to grip the situation and if he doesn't resign, they need to make sure that he leaves".

He added that the Law Society should be more transparent in its proceedings.

Law Society President Mark Borland said he profoundly regretted the distress and trauma that this has caused victims of Lloyd-Lavery.

He said the Law Society "has conducted an internal process and for reasons of confidentiality, we are limited in what we can say publicly".

Lloyd-Lavery was sentenced to two years in prison in April.

Following that hearing, two of the victims waived their right to anonymity to speak publicly about their experiences in May.

One of the victims, Nicola Bannon, has called on Lavery to resign.