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Leading Scots lawyer Paul McBride QC found dead Leading Scots lawyer Paul McBride QC found dead
(40 minutes later)
The leading Scottish lawyer and QC Paul McBride has died suddenly while on a visit to Pakistan.The leading Scottish lawyer and QC Paul McBride has died suddenly while on a visit to Pakistan.
He was reported to have died in his sleep in a hotel room. He was 46.He was reported to have died in his sleep in a hotel room. He was 46.
Mr McBride had a high public profile. Two men are currently on trial in Glasgow accused of sending suspected parcel bombs to Mr McBride and other leading supporters of Celtic football club.Mr McBride had a high public profile. Two men are currently on trial in Glasgow accused of sending suspected parcel bombs to Mr McBride and other leading supporters of Celtic football club.
He was a board member of the Scottish Legal Aid Board.He was a board member of the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
It is understood that Mr McBride was in Pakistan on business.It is understood that Mr McBride was in Pakistan on business.
Supt Faisal Gulzar of Lahore police said: "We got the call at around 2.30-3pm. Mr McBride was found dead in a room of the Pearl Continental in Lahore.
"At this stage we think he died of natural causes and do not suspect any foul play. We have checked CCTV footage from the hotel and carried out initial investigations.
"A post-mortem will take place. We will wait for the results before taking further action."
Officials in Pakistan have told the BBC they believe Mr McBride may have died as a result of a heart condition.
A statement issued by Jack Irvine on behalf of Mr McBride's family said: "Paul died in his sleep last night in a hotel in Pakistan and at this time we would ask you to respect the privacy of his family.A statement issued by Jack Irvine on behalf of Mr McBride's family said: "Paul died in his sleep last night in a hotel in Pakistan and at this time we would ask you to respect the privacy of his family.
"There will be no further statement in the meantime.""There will be no further statement in the meantime."
Mr McBride was appointed a QC at the age of 35, said to be the youngest QC ever appointed in the UK.Mr McBride was appointed a QC at the age of 35, said to be the youngest QC ever appointed in the UK.
He was called to the Scottish Bar in 1988 and has been involved in many high profile criminal cases in Scotland.He was called to the Scottish Bar in 1988 and has been involved in many high profile criminal cases in Scotland.
Mr Irvine added: "I understand Paul was found dead in bed this morning. He had been in Pakistan for a few days and I am uncertain when he was to return to Scotland.Mr Irvine added: "I understand Paul was found dead in bed this morning. He had been in Pakistan for a few days and I am uncertain when he was to return to Scotland.
"The family have asked that they are not troubled at this distressing time.""The family have asked that they are not troubled at this distressing time."
Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland and Solicitor General Lesley Thomson said in a statement: "We are very saddened by the awful news that Paul has died in his sleep overnight in Pakistan.Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland and Solicitor General Lesley Thomson said in a statement: "We are very saddened by the awful news that Paul has died in his sleep overnight in Pakistan.
"This is devastating news for his partner Gary, family and his friends. We offer our sincere and deepest sympathies to them.""This is devastating news for his partner Gary, family and his friends. We offer our sincere and deepest sympathies to them."
Brian McConnachie QC, Vice-Chair of the Faculty of Advocates Criminal Bar Association, said: "Everyone is absolutely stunned and deeply saddened by his death.Brian McConnachie QC, Vice-Chair of the Faculty of Advocates Criminal Bar Association, said: "Everyone is absolutely stunned and deeply saddened by his death.
"Paul was very young and had achieved a tremendous amount in such a short space of time and undoubtedly had a great deal more to achieve both legally and no doubt in other fields.""Paul was very young and had achieved a tremendous amount in such a short space of time and undoubtedly had a great deal more to achieve both legally and no doubt in other fields."
Mr McBride is a former member of Labour and the Scottish Conservatives.Mr McBride is a former member of Labour and the Scottish Conservatives.
He left the Scottish Conservatives last June after Ruth Davidson was elected to lead the party north of the border.He left the Scottish Conservatives last June after Ruth Davidson was elected to lead the party north of the border.
First Minister Alex Salmond paid the following tribute: "This is sad and shocking news. Paul McBride was an outstanding Advocate, and a very substantial public figure in Scotland.First Minister Alex Salmond paid the following tribute: "This is sad and shocking news. Paul McBride was an outstanding Advocate, and a very substantial public figure in Scotland.
"Paul's genius lay not just in applying his first-class mind to the complex procedures of Scots Law, but also his unrivalled ability to explain and promote the laws of Scotland to a wider public.""Paul's genius lay not just in applying his first-class mind to the complex procedures of Scots Law, but also his unrivalled ability to explain and promote the laws of Scotland to a wider public."
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell issued a statement on behalf of the club.Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell issued a statement on behalf of the club.
He said: "This is tragic news. Paul was a very good friend of Celtic and someone who cared passionately about the club. His passing is clearly a great loss and he will be sadly missed.He said: "This is tragic news. Paul was a very good friend of Celtic and someone who cared passionately about the club. His passing is clearly a great loss and he will be sadly missed.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Paul's family at this very difficult time.""The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Paul's family at this very difficult time."