Domestic violence "upsurge" sees MTM add to team

Criminal law firm MTM Defence Lawyers has added to its team, due to "a large upsurge" in domestic abuse cases.

Andrew Seggie has joined the firm as a senior solicitor, moving from Finnieston Franchi & McWilliams where he was an associate. He brings additional expertise in areas including domestic abuse and complex assault cases; cases involving young people and vulnerable witnesses; and cases involving corporate and white collar crime such as fraud, regulatory and health and safety offences. 

MTM says domestic abuse now accounts for around 33% of its cases. Director Murray Aitken commented: "The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 has led to a sharp increase in domestic allegations that are being investigated and prosecuted across Scotland. The 'wheels of justice' are now definitely turning, and law firms are being consulted not just by complainers or alleged victims of domestic abuse but also by people accused, or potentially facing investigation and/or prosecution, under the Act. All of this has driven a sharp rise in demand for advice and representation in such cases."