Nicola Bannon, one of four women indecently assaulted by a former schoolteacher, has called for the chief of the Law Society to resign. Bannon expressed disappointment with the Law Society's response regarding a character reference provided for the convicted teacher.
The Law Society stated it had concluded an internal process concerning the matter and would make no further comment due to confidentiality. The organization acknowledged the concern caused and committed to facilitating consideration of character references post-conviction, recognizing the diversity of views on the practice.
Bannon contrasted the Law Society's response with the "very firm and decisive action" taken by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), where the individual also held a position. Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Bryant removed the individual from his role as a human rights commissioner on Tuesday.
The Northern Ireland Office spokesperson indicated that the NIHRC found the individual had breached the commission's code of governance and was "capable of bringing the commission into disrepute." Bannon conveyed gratitude to Bryant and the NIHRC, highlighting the open and transparent manner in which they addressed the issue.
"I think it sends a very strong message to victims everywhere that you can have complete trust and confidence in the Human Rights Commission and that they will support you and protect you and champion your rights," Bannon said.