British prosecutor Rory Field is Bermuda’s new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Mr. Field fought off competition from more than 50 applications before being appointed Vinette Graham-Allen’s successor by Governor Sir John Vereker.

He will take up his appointment in late August, replacing Magistrate Juan Wolffe, who is currently serving as Acting DPP.

Mr. Field was unanimously selected by a panel chaired by Deputy Governor Mark Capes and also including Chief Justice Richard Ground, Civil Service head Kenneth Dill, Deputy Police Commissioner Roseanda Young, Assistant Cabinet Secretary Judith Hall-Bean, and legal consultant Kulandra Ratneser.

The new DPP has previously worked in a number of jurisdictions, including Belize, where he served as DPP from 1999 to 2001. He also worked as legal adviser on organised crime for the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

This included a focus on reform of the criminal justice system and capacity building in the prosecution service in Serbia, where he was primary adviser to the Serbian Chief Prosecutor.

Sir John said: “I am delighted to appoint such a well-qualified and experienced prosecutor as Bermuda’s Director of Public Prosecutions. I am grateful to the panel for their selection and recommendation.”