The tribunal ruled that Mr McConnachie’s behaviour in a series of phone messages was a “serious and reprehensible” departure from the expected standard.

He will now face a hearing at a later date, where a decision over the action to be taken against him will be made.

The findings revolve around a complaint that was made against him by a woman who received a number of messages from him.

One message said that he might “sh*g Sandy Brindley [the chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland] just to have something over her. But I would not enjoy it”.

Of that message, the disciplinary panel said: “We regard such conduct, involving the suggestion of a willingness to engage in something amounting to blackmail, as plainly serious and reprehensible.”

In another message, he implied a client was a liar.

In its ruling, the panel said: “When all of the actions complained about are taken together, we are of the opinion that the respondent’s conduct must be considered professional misconduct.”