The Island’s new Director of Prosecutions has today (Wednesday 20 April 2016) been officially presented with his Commission as an Isle of Man Advocate.

Richard Butters took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Advocate during a swearing-in ceremony at the Isle of Man Courthouse in Douglas.

Formerly a Solicitor and Barrister in the UK, Mr Butters brings a wealth of experience to the role of Director of Prosecutions having demonstrated a strong track record of professional achievement since being called to the UK Bar in 2001.

He has worked at the Independent Bar at 37 Park Square Chambers in Leeds, prosecuting and defending serious crime from 2001 until taking up his post in the Isle of Man earlier this year.

As Director of Prosecutions, Mr Butters heads a team of legal officers in the Attorney General’s Chambers and is responsible for the prosecution of all criminal offences in the Isle of Man on behalf of the Crown.

His Honour First Deemster David Doyle, who administered the Oaths, said: ‘I welcome Mr Butters to the Island and congratulate him on his appointment as Director of Prosecutions and on being sworn in as an advocate in this jurisdiction. This appointment is an important appointment for the Island. I hope that the new Director of Prosecutions will receive full support from all members of the Attorney General’s Chambers in respect of the challenges that Chambers and the Island presently face and will face in the future. The Attorney General’s Chambers forms an essential part of the Island’s legal and constitutional infrastructure. I pay tribute to the excellent work which John Quinn, the Acting Attorney General, and Walter Wannenburgh, the Solicitor General are undertaking in the best interests of the Island.’

Deemster Doyle added: ‘I also pay tribute to the excellent work that all members of the Manx Bar, including those specialising in criminal defence work, are undertaking in the best interests of their clients and the Island generally. The continuing existence of a strong, independent and fearless Manx Bar is fundamental to the rule of law and to the future of the Island. The judiciary are appreciative of all the valuable assistance the courts receive from members of the Manx Bar and others. We look forward to Mr Butters, as the new Director of Prosecutions, assisting the courts in the fair and efficient administration of criminal justice on this Island.’

Mr Butters said: ‘I am delighted now to be part of a unique group of people known as Manx Advocates. It is a huge honour to have been sworn in, in front of the First Deemster, the Acting Attorney General, Mr John Quinn and the Solicitor General, Mr Walter Wannenburgh.’

He added: ‘I am extremely proud and privileged to be appointed to the position of Director of Prosecutions. I will endeavour to make sure that all prosecutions are dealt with efficiently and above all in a fair-minded way.’

Photo - (left to right) Walter Wannenburgh, HM Solicitor General, John Quinn, Acting Attorney General, Richard Butters, Director of Prosecutions, David Doyle, First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls.