Three colleagues recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Congratulations to Hannah Sidaway, Elizabeth Swift and Pari Patel, who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their exceptional contributions to law and order.
Hannah is to receive an OBE, while Elizabeth and Pari will each receive an MBE. Full details of the different kinds of honours are available on GOV.UK. The King’s Honours recognise the achievements of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to public service.
See below for a summary of their remarkable achievements.
Hannah Sidaway OBE
Specialist Prosecutor - West Midlands
Hannah is an inspirational prosecutor in the Complex Casework Unit whose career has been marked by innovation and leadership in complex casework. She led the first successful prosecution involving a suicide following coercive control, setting a national precedent. Her ability to identify new legal strategies and work effectively with expert evidence has influenced the way such cases are now approached nationally.
Hannah’s work has had lasting impact both within the CPS and across law enforcement, from delivering bespoke training to working with academics creating a multi-agency suicide screening tool. In 2024, cases of suspected suicide following domestic abuse overtook intimate partner homicides – a powerful reflection of the importance of this work.
She regularly shares her expertise with colleagues and police forces across England and Wales and internationally, and is widely recognised as a leader and role model. One colleague described her as “a key cog in the machine that is building the road less travelled”.
Hannah said: “I am delighted to receive this honour, which also represents the hard work of the police and other agencies in raising the agenda of this important topic. It is a real privilege to promote professional curiosity and give a voice to victims of abuse.”
Elizabeth Swift MBE
Casework Administration Manager – Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate (SEOCID)
Elizabeth is recognised not only for her professional excellence but for her extraordinary commitment to her community over more than four decades of public service.
She supports local schools with reading and maths, volunteers weekly at a church centre serving meals to those in need and assists elderly neighbours with errands and companionship. She also supports international and animal charities through donations and fundraising.
Professionally, Elizabeth has shown inspirational leadership, transforming a disengaged team after a merger and mentoring colleagues across the CPS. Her resilience, compassion and tireless dedication make her a truly exceptional civil servant.
Elizabeth said: “I entered the Civil Service in 1984 and thoroughly enjoyed 40 years’ service. In my time as a civil servant, I worked with many wonderful colleagues and friends who like me were dedicated to delivering the best possible service. I have now retired, and I was both surprised and so incredibly proud to receive this award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported me over the years and acknowledged my work.”
Pari Patel MBE
Paralegal Officer - Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate (SEOCID)
Pari is known for going above and beyond to support justice outcomes in some of the CPS’s most complex cases. In a recent high-profile money laundering and human trafficking prosecution, he was the only paralegal officer supporting 18 defendants and received a judge’s commendation for his work.
His dedication spans a number of significant cases, including historic child abuse and serious organised crime, where he’s played a crucial role in managing evidence, meeting deadlines, and supporting colleagues.
He’s also helped shape major operational responses such as the Insulate Britain protest prosecutions, all while mentoring junior staff and stepping in at short notice to cover demanding court work.
Huge congratulations to Hannah, Elizabeth and Pari for this well-deserved recognition.