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Solicitor jailed after two drink-driving arrests in one month

Michael McCotter, a solicitor from Co Antrim, was jailed after admitting two drink-driving offences within weeks

A solicitor from County Antrim has been sentenced to prison after he was caught drink-driving twice in less than a month. Michael McCotter, who represented himself from custody, pleaded guilty to both offences and admitted he had “lost everything”.

The disgraced lawyer, formerly a respected figure in Northern Ireland’s legal community, was arrested on two separate occasions for driving with excess alcohol in his breath. The court heard that both incidents occurred within weeks of each other — and that McCotter had already been suspended from practising law following his first arrest.

Standing before the judge, McCotter offered no defence. Dressed in custody-issue clothing, he spoke softly but firmly as he entered his guilty pleas. His voice cracked slightly as he admitted the charges. “I’ve lost everything — my career, my reputation, my family’s trust,” he said, showing little resistance as he awaited his fate.

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The judge acknowledged McCotter’s early guilty plea but said the repeated offending left no alternative to a custodial sentence. “You, as a solicitor, were fully aware of the dangers and consequences of drink-driving,” the judge said. “Yet you made the decision not once, but twice, to put yourself and others at serious risk.”

No details were given in court about the exact alcohol levels recorded or the circumstances of each arrest, but both incidents were described as “aggravating” due to the short interval between them and McCotter’s position of responsibility in society.

Court sources revealed that McCotter had fallen into heavy drinking following a series of personal setbacks, including the death of a close relative and the breakdown of his marriage. However, the judge noted that such circumstances, while tragic, did not excuse his actions.

McCotter’s fall from grace has sent ripples through the legal profession in Northern Ireland. He had practised for over 15 years and was known for his work on complex civil and family law cases. Colleagues described him as “highly competent” and “hard-working,” though some had recently noticed signs of personal strain.

Following the first incident, McCotter had been placed under internal review by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and suspended from legal duties. The second arrest effectively ended any prospect of a return to practice. A full disciplinary hearing is expected to follow his release from prison.

Sentencing McCotter, the judge imposed an immediate custodial term, the length of which has not been disclosed publicly, and disqualified him from driving for several years. He was led from the dock in silence, avoiding eye contact with the few remaining observers in the public gallery.

Outside court, there were no family or friends in attendance. A spokesperson for the Law Society later confirmed they had been informed of the conviction and that an internal disciplinary process was under way. “Solicitors are officers of the court and must uphold the law both professionally and personally,” the spokesperson said.

The case is the latest in a series of high-profile misconduct matters involving professionals in Northern Ireland. Legal commentators have called it “a sobering reminder” of the importance of accountability, regardless of professional status.

McCotter remains in custody and is expected to serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for release.

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