The Senate yesterday paid tribute to a veteran prosecutor for his years of service to Bermuda.

The congratulations to Senior Crown counsel Brian Calhoun, who ended 15 years of service at the Department of Public Prosecutions and Attorney General's Chambers last Friday, came from Opposition United Bermuda Party Senator, and defence attorney, Mark Pettingill.

"He was hard, but fair, and I doubt anyone else will see an amazing record like his for years to come,'' said Sen. Pettingill after noting that Mr.

Calhoun won 99 percent of the cases he brought to trial.

"He was a tremendous mentor to a lot of young Bermudians, including me,'' he continued.

"Not only was he the first person to prosecute a case involving DNA, but he was also the first prosecutor to bring a civil action with regards to drugs cases.'' Sen. Pettingill noted Mr. Calhoun, a Canadian, had always taken an especially hard stance when it came to dealing with cases involving drugs and caring for children.

"A record like his will stand for a very long time indeed,'' he said. "It is a great loss for the department.'' Last night, Mr. Calhoun said: "I hope I have made a positive contribution to the justice system in Bermuda and that the people of Bermuda have benefitted accordingly.

"I also take pride in the number of young Bermudians who were once my juniors, who I once trained and have now risen to prominence.'' Among those who have served under Mr. Calhoun are now retired Cabinet Secretary Leo Mills, former Senator Larry Scott and Mark Pettingill.

Winning record: Former Senior Crown Counsel Brian Calhoun