THE new man in charge of prosecuting criminals across the county has spoken to the Welwyn & Hatfield Times about his plans for the area, writes Kelly-Ann Kiernan. David Robinson was appointed as chief crown prosecutor for Hertfordshire following the retir

THE new man in charge of prosecuting criminals across the county has spoken to the Welwyn & Hatfield Times about his plans for the area, writes Kelly-Ann Kiernan.

David Robinson was appointed as chief crown prosecutor for Hertfordshire following the retirement of Charles Ingham.

Being the top dog at Hertfordshire Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), he hopes to explain to the public what the organisation is, and how it can help them.

Mr Robinson said: "Prosecutors have become involved far earlier in the prosecution process, advising the police on gathering evidence, restraining criminal assets and charging suspects.

"And we now conduct the advocacy in most of our crown court cases. This is helping transform the organisation.

"But these changes bring a need for us to be more visible and accountable to the public, who want their concerns reflected in how we prosecute and who need to be confident in the criminal justice system."

Mr Robinson began his career as a bobby on the beat for Herts police, but soon chose to make the jump and become a prosecutor.

He told the WHT: "I was a Pc giving evidence after a poll tax riot in a council chamber.

"I thought 'I'd rather be on the other side of the witness box'."

Although now having control of the county's CPS, he still hopes to keep his hand in and prosecute cases.

He said: "I think it's important to be seen by the public, but this is mainly a strategic role."

His first aim is to get successful domestic crime courts rolled

out across the county.

A trial in Hemel Hempstead saw conviction rates soar as victims were given more one-to-one support.

Mr Robinson hopes a court in St Albans supporting people from Welwyn Hatfield and Potters Bar, will be just as successful.