Governor Rena Lalgie announced this afternoon that prosecutor Alan Richards was the newest Puisne Judge for the Supreme Court of Bermuda.

She said in a statement: “I am pleased to appoint Mr Richards to this important role.

“In particular, he brings valuable knowledge and insight from his extensive experience including his work with the Department of Public Prosecutions over the last nine years.

“The judiciary holds an important place in Bermuda as a separate and independent branch of Government which hears charges of criminal conduct, resolves disputes, upholds the rights and freedoms of individuals and preserves the rule of law.”

Mr Richards added: “I am greatly honoured by this appointment and I look forward to serving the administration of justice in these islands in this role to the very best of my abilities.”

He is expected to formally take up the position of Puisne Judge on September 1.

Mr Richards was Called to the Bar of England and Wales in October 2004 and joined the Bermuda Bar in March 2015.

He has worked in the Department of Public Prosecutions since 2015 initially as a consultant, then as Senior Crown Counsel and finally as the first Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (Specialist).