Rev Dr Lesley Carroll

Dr Carroll, a Presbyterian minister who is currently deputy chief commissioner at the Equality Commission and also works at Victim Support NI, will take up office for a three-year term from 1 March 2019.

Peter May, permanent secretary of the Department of Justice, said: “I would like to congratulate Lesley on her appointment.

“The role of the prisoner ombudsman is a challenging and vital one in the criminal justice system. I am confident Lesley will bring her extensive experience and skills to the role. I wish her every success for her term of office.”

Brendan McGuigan, the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice for Northern Ireland, took on the work of prisoner ombudsman in September 2017 following the retirement of former ombudsman Tom McGonigle in August 2017.

Mr May said: “I wish to place on record my sincere thanks to Brendan McGuigan for covering the responsibilities of the prisoner ombudsman since the retirement of the previous ombudsman in August 2017. With his support, the important work of the prisoner ombudsman’s office continued until an appointment could be made.”