Defence solicitor becomes High Court prosecutor

Leading criminal defence solicitor one of six advocate depute appointments

News, 19 November 2004

For the first time a solicitor advocate from outwith the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has been appointed as a High Court prosecutor.

Alex Prentice, a highly experienced criminal defence solicitor, will take up his post as an advocate depute on 1 December.

His is one of six Crown counsel appointments announced today by the Lord Advocate, Colin Boyd QC.

John Beckett has been appointed as Assistant Principal Advocate Depute. He has served as a senior advocate depute for two years and will provide assistance to Alan Turnbull QC, Principal Advocate Depute, taking responsibility for induction and training.

Alan MacKay, an advocate depute for the past 18 months, has been appointed to the position of senior advocate depute.

Solicitor advocate John Martin has also been appointed as an advocate depute. Mr Martin has spent much of his career within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Robert Weir and John Halley have been appointed advocates depute. They are currently on the panel of ad hoc advocates depute.

Colin Boyd said: "These lawyers will make an invaluable contribution to the prosecution of the most serious crime in Scotland. Their skills and experience will strengthen the already considerable talent that is evident in Crown counsel and will assist the Crown's preparation for the High Court reforms being introduced following the review by Lord Bonomy.

"I am delighted to have been able to attract such high quality candidates, from diverse legal backgrounds."

This most recent recruitment will, by March 2005, take the number of permanent advocates depute to 23.