Head of West Midlands CPS announces retirement

Harry Ireland, Chief Crown Prosecutor, today said it had been 'a privilege' to have led the CPS.

Mr Ireland began his career in prosecution in 1981 as an assistant prosecuting solicitor in South Yorkshire, before joining the CPS as a senior crown prosecutor at its inception in 1986.

He moved to Wiltshire as a branch crown prosecutor in 1990, where he played an instrumental role in drafting the CPS Youth Offenders policy and a national Youth Offenders training package.

In 1999, Mr Ireland was appointed as chief crown prosecutor for Staffordshire and in in 2009 became CCP for CPS West Midlands, which also incorporated West Mercia, Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

The 58-year-old will leave his post at the end of May.

Announcing his retirement, Mr Ireland paid tribute to the staff he had worked with during his career.

"Throughout my career I have tried to champion an independent prosecution service and the work that its staff does which is not always recognised and acknowledged," he said.

"During my 28 years with the service, I have been fortunate to have worked with many talented members of staff within the CPS and in local criminal justice.

"They have worked tirelessly to serve the diverse public in the region despite the challenging circumstances which they have been faced with.

"Through their dedication and commitment, I believe that they have made the region a safer place to work, visit and live.

"It has been a privilege to have led the CPS in the West Midlands over the last five years and I would like to thank all those members of staff who have supported and guided me over the years.

"Finally, I would like wish everyone in the criminal justice system, including my successor, all the success in the future."

Mr Ireland has also been credited with helping to put new digital practices in place at magistrates courts.

Prosecutors now use electronic tablets to digitally present cases in court rather than using paper files.

Mr Ireland is also a national lead for the CPS on youth justice and edits the national Youth Specialist training course.