After graduation Sarah went to the College of Law in Chester to complete her Finals. She continued her training at Warwickshire Magistrates’ court as a legal advisor giving her an insight into how justice was delivered and decisions reached. In 1998, she joined the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) conducing advocacy in Magistrates’ and Crown courts across the Midlands before becoming a Manager, and in 2018 a Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor.
Sarah works with local schools and colleges mentoring students and introducing them to the CPS through work experience. She says: “Students meet with a senior leader like myself who explain the role of the CPS within the criminal justice system, offering advice on how to apply for the CPS or training contracts. I share my career journey and tips that have served me well.”
Sarah is passionate about supporting and developing her staff and devises regular training and engagement sessions so her team are constantly learning and striving for excellence. She has also delivered guest lectures on subjects such as a murder case she worked on offering insights to how the case was built, prosecuted and the defendant convicted.
Of her time at the University, Sarah said she enjoyed meeting new people from all over the world who had so many different backgrounds, dreams and career plans. “I enjoyed the independence of living away from home and fell in love with the city from my very first visit. I made a trip back a few years ago for a work conference and found myself walking around some of my old haunts afterwards, wonderful memories came flooding back.”
In the 23 years she has worked for the CPS she is very proud of the casework successes she has been involved in, trusted by some of the most vulnerable members of society. “To bring those offenders to justice and being able to help victims and their families move forward with their lives makes me very happy.”