Davina Murray struck off
She showed "flagrant disregard of the mutual trust and respect between a lawyer and prison authorities."
Disgraced lawyer Davina Murray has been banned from legal practice by a disciplinary tribunal order today.
Ms Murray was convicted under the Corrections Act of delivering contraband items to her client, convicted murderer and rapist Liam Reid. She had given him an iPhone and cigarettes.
In a penalty hearing today, the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal ordered Ms Murray be struck off as a lawyer.
In December last year the tribunal found that Ms Murray’s conviction reflected on her fitness to practise while bringing the legal profession into disrepute – although Ms Murray has appealed this to the High Court.
Law Society President Chris Moore says in a statement the offending had seriously threatened the access lawyers get to their clients in prison, compared to that given to other visitors.
“Ms Murray’s actions were a flagrant disregard of the mutual trust and respect between a lawyer and prison authorities. The access rights lawyers enjoy are privileges which must be strongly respected and honoured by lawyers as they support our whole justice system.”
He says her action brought the profession into dispute and caused a prison review of security that resulted in more restrictions on lawyers visiting clients.
Victoria Young
Thu, 26 Feb 2015
Thu, 26 Feb 2015
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Davina Murray struck off
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