So as part of the judgement they discuss aggravating factors:
No previous case of paid advocacy has seen so many breaches or such a clear pattern of behaviour in failing to separate private and public interests.
Mr Paterson’s financial remuneration from Randox and Lynn’s amounted to nearly three times his annual parliamentary salary.
Mr Paterson's actions demonstrate a failure to uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life.
Mr Paterson has made serious, personal, and unsubstantiated allegations against the integrity of the Commissioner and her team.
Mr Paterson is a former Minister, and an experienced long-serving Member of the House.
Maybe it wasn't quite the crime of the century but these points alone are pretty damning, particularly being a former minister so knowing what is expected, and the failure to uphold the principles.
There are some mitigating factors but not enough to balance the aggravating ones.
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