A SOLICITOR from Blackburn today spoke of her delight and relief after criminal proceedings against her were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Liz Parker said she was delighted to have been exonerated on all counts but angry that her integrity had been questioned and her reputation tarnished.

"The last four months have been an absolute nightmare," said Mrs Parker, of Billinge End Road, Pleasington, Blackburn, who faced two charges of perverting the course of justice at Chorley in February this year.

"My reputation, my career, even my liberty have been threatened and the sense of relief that it is all over is immense."

Mrs Parker, who works at the Chorley office of Forbes and Partners, paid tribute to colleagues who have supported her throughout her ordeal. "Everyone, from the partners down, has been 100 per cent behind me and their confidence has been a tremendous help during what can only be described as an ordeal," said Mrs Parker.

"Peter Turner, the senior partner in the criminal division, has taken personal charge of the case and we will have to sit down together and examine the repercussions of this prosecution.

"It is too early to say whether there will be any civil action against any organisations or individuals."

Peter Turner, currently on holiday in Portugal, said he was not surprised by the sudden about turn.

"What has surprised me is the length of time it has taken to reach this entirely sensible decision," said Mr Turner.

"I am delighted for Liz Parker, who is a valued member of the Forbes and Partners team. As soon as I return from holiday we will get together and discuss what action needs to be taken to conclude the matter."

The two charges were discontinued by Blackpool magistrates after clerk Brian Reeves told the court that the Crown Prosecution Service had decided there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

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