National Recognition For CPS South Yorkshire's Newest Crown Prosecutor

28/07/2006

Mark Marriott, CPS South Yorkshire's newest Crown Prosecutor, has been chosen to appear in the National CPS Annual Report. The report each year chooses to recognise a number of CPS employee's achievements over the previous year.

Mark, who is based in the Barnsley Criminal Justice Unit, became a CPS Crown Prosecutor in April this year after more than 17 years with the CPS. He left school at 15 and trained as a French polisher before developing an interest in law and joining the CPS in 1989.

Beginning his career as a casual admin assistant, Mark worked his way up whilst studying for his legal qualifications at evening classes. He was most recently sponsored by the Crown Prosecution Service Law Scholarship Scheme to complete his law degree and Professional Skills course.

The CPS operates a recruitment system based on open and fair competition which means that Mark had to apply for the post of Crown Prosecutor in the same way as any other lawyer wishing to join CPS. Mark was successful in his application and took up the role currently based in Barnsley in April 2006.

Commenting on his new role, Mark says: I have previously worked as a Designated Caseworker for a number of years. This experience gave me the confidence to complete my legal education and qualify as a solicitor. I could not have done this without the help of my colleagues and in particular the love, support and encouragement of my family.

Judith Walker, Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS South Yorkshire says: We are absolutely delighted that Mark has achieved his goal of becoming a Crown Prosecutor. I am sure that his success will be inspiration for other members of staff who are currently in the process of studying for a variety of legal qualifications.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

The CPS Law Scholarship Scheme provides education and training for CPS employees to become qualified in law.
Designated caseworkers present cases in the Magistrates Court on a daily basis. They deal with casework that includes guilty plea cases and road traffic courts.
Media enquiries to Clare Cocken, Communications Officer, CPS South Yorkshire, T: 0114 229 8738, F: 0114 229 8607, E: clare.cocken@cps.gsi.gov.uk