Ashley Edwards QC becomes principal Crown counsel

The three most senior prosecutorial roles in Scotland will for the first time all be held by women, following the appointment by the Lord Advocate of Ashley Edwards QC as principal Crown counsel ("PCC").

Leading the advocate depute team in the prosecution of serious crime, Ms Edwards will report directly to Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain QC and Solicitor General for Scotland Ruth Charteris QC. 

Previously deputy PCC, Ms Edwards has been an advocate depute since 2008. She has extensive experience in dealing with a wide breadth of criminal law cases including those involving non-accidental injuries to children, deaths in custody, health and safety prosecutions and conduct of appeals.

She gained a BSc in Pharmacology before turning to the law, a background which benefits her in dealing with scientific and medical aspects of prosecutions. She is also experienced in the examination of children and vulnerable witness using special measures.

Ms Bain commented: “Ashley is an outstanding lawyer who is eminently qualified for this role. Since returning to Crown Office in the summer of last year I have been hugely impressed by the way she approaches the important work done by the Crown. I am confident she will build upon the contributions of Stephen O’Rourke, who so tragically died in December, and Alex Prentice who was PCC before him.”

In further appointments, Richard Goddard QC has been promoted from assistant to deputy PCC. Susanne Tanner QC, who was recently appointed assistant PCC, has been joined in that role by Lisa Gillespie QC. Alex Prentice QC continues as senior trial counsel and director of advocate depute training.

Gavin Anderson, Lorraine Glancy and John Keenan are to become senior advocates depute.