Brendan McGuigan has been re-appointed as Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice for Northern Ireland for the next three years.

It is Mr McGuigan’s first and final re-appointment in accordance with the CPA NI Code of Practice, following his original appointment to the role in November 2012.

The role sees him inspect agencies that form part of Northern Ireland’s criminal justice system outside the judiciary, including the PSNI, Prison Service, Public Prosecution Service, Youth Justice Agency and Courts Service.

Speaking after the re-appointment, Justice Minister David Ford said: “The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice has a challenging and important role within the wider criminal justice system.

“Brendan McGuigan has been in post for three years, during which he has overseen a number of significant reviews including reforms within the Prison Service, looking at the needs of victims, delay within the justice system and the specific needs of young people and vulnerable witnesses.

“Brendan has challenged the justice system to work more collectively and to think strategically.”