My name is Neil and I have lived in Leicestershire for almost 24 years.
I have a strong knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system. I joined the Crown Prosecution Service as a Senior Crown Prosecutor after nine years as a solicitor in private practice where I represented a large number of clients in both the civil and criminal courts.
In 2000 I qualified as a Crown Advocate giving me rights of audience to prosecute cases in the Crown Court and the Criminal Court of Appeal. A year later I was promoted to District Crown Prosecutor for CPS Warwickshire where I joined the Senior Management Team with responsibility for the Crown Court Team and their conduct of the serious casework in Warwickshire. During this period I also presented cases and conducted trials across the West Midlands.
Three years ago I joined the CPS East Midlands area. I became a regular Advocate at the Crown Court in Leicester and also appeared for the prosecution in the Crown Court at Northampton, Derby and Nottingham.
But I also care about the local area. In 2011 I was elected to Harborough District Council, where I continue to represent the Dunton Ward.
But, more than anything, I want to serve the residents of Leicester, Leicestrshire and Rutland as their Police and Crime Commissioner, where I will bring a lifelong dedication to working for justice and substantial experience of working with the police.
Given my dedication to the task ahead I have now resigned from the CPS in order to devote my energies full time to the campaign and to serve the residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.