NI's Director Of Public Prosecutions To Step Down

Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has confirmed he is stepping down.

Barra McGrory QC will step down in September this year.

He was the first Catholic to hold the post of DPP when he was appointed in 2011.

He said: "It has been an honour to have led the Public Prosecution Service for the past five-and-a-half years and the highest privilege of my professional career to have served the people of this jurisdiction as Director of Public Prosecutions.

"I have enjoyed working with a tremendously talented team within the PPS and I look forward to continuing this important work until my term in office ends later this year."

Alliance MLA David Ford said Mr McGrory had led the PPS "with skill and integrity during a difficult time due to budget cuts".

Mr Ford said: "Barra brought his skills as a solicitor and barrister in private practice to his work as DPP, and despite allegations about some of his previous clients, he acted fairly and properly in that role.

"Recent attacks on the PPS by a number of Tory and unionist representatives show how important it is politicians are kept away from individual justice issues such as prosecutions.

"The PPS must follow the evidence and take all decisions impartially. The service has resisted all political pressure and that is a tribute to Barra McGrory's leadership."

Danny Kinahan, the Ulster Unionist Party's Westminster candidate for South Antrim, said: "Barra McGrory's decision to step down from his role as the Director of Public Prosecutions will be welcomed by many people who have watched with dismay at certain decisions reached by the DPP under his stewardship.

"I am not known for knee-jerk reactions or unwarranted criticism, but I myself called for him to resign just a week and a half ago because of my concerns over the handling of a case involving a former soldier, Dennis Hutchings, now aged 75, and other legacy cases.

"I spoke out after prosecutors re-instated attempted murder charges against Mr Hutchings for a 1974 Troubles killing, which I felt was extremely unfair given that in March a judge had said there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the charge against him. Indeed, Mr Hutchings had been investigated twice and been told twice that he had no case to answer. The decision to over-rule an experienced district judge was met with disbelief and anger and was the final straw for many.

"I said at the time that Barra McGrory’s reign as Director of Public Prosecutions had run its course and for the sake of public confidence, he should pack his bags and get out of the Public Prosecutor's office.

"I therefore welcome the fact that he has now chosen the course of action he has, and sincerely hope that the lack of confidence which many people have in the office, can be restored as we move forward."

(CD)