A solicitor from Rossendale has been fined by his industry body after being convicted of being twice the drink drive limit.

A witness reported William Joseph Rawstron, who works at KY Legal Limited in Manchester Road, Rossendale, had opened his driver’s door and caused damage to their vehicle.

On Friday, July 29, 2022, Rawstron was arrested and breathalysed by the police, presenting a reading of 78 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit for drinking and driving is 35mcg per 100ml of breath.

He was subsequently charged with drink driving and on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, pleaded guilty to the offence.

He was disqualified from driving for 22 months, and received a fine of £120.

Rawstron notified the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) of his conviction on October 7, 2022.

The SRA is the regulatory body for solicitors in England and Wales, responsible for regulating the professional conduct of more than 125,000 solicitors.

An investigation found Rawstron breached Principle 2 of the SRA Principles, which says 'you act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors’ profession and in legal services provided by authorised persons', and he was fined £4,308.

In stating why he would just receive a fine, the SRA said: "He promptly reported the conviction to the SRA and has cooperated fully with our investigation.

"He has shown remorse for his conduct and insight into the ethical standards expected of him as a solicitor."

In December 2003, Rawstron was warned about his conduct by the SRA after he was convicted in 2002 for drink driving.

He also agreed to pay the costs of the SRA's investigation in the sum of £300.