A LEADING Blackburn solicitor has called for a complete review of the criminal representation system.

Michael Cunningham, a senior partner with Cunningham Turner, said criminal law has been treated as the poor relation and the downgrading has led to a recruitment crisis affecting all firms.

Speaking on the day that the Blackburn-based firm welcomed a new partner, Richard Prew, to head its criminal department Mr Cunningham said it has taken two years to find someone of the right calibre to take on the challenge.

"We started to interview potential candidates two years ago but there is a dearth of suitable individuals in the criminal field because it has been made to be very much the poor relation," said Mr Cunningham.

"Legislation by successive Governments has turned the screws and the result is fewer and fewer people moving into criminal advocacy and more and more leaving.

"Quality advocates are leaving to join the Crown Prosecution Service or moving into other specialist fields and something needs to be done to stop the rot before the entire system disintegrates."

Mr Prew, 38, who has worked for some of the largest legal firms in East Lancashire, joined Cunningham Turner less than six months ago. He lives in Waddington and is married with two children.