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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: New chief prosecutor had drug conviction
Claire Smith The Scotsman
Thursday 14 Aug 2003 THE incoming head of the Crown Prosecution Service was once convicted for possession of cannabis, it emerged last night. Ken Macdonald, who is due to take over as the Director of Public Prosecutions in November, was convicted of possessing 25p worth of cannabis as an 18-year-old student. The appointment of the experienced criminal lawyer to the post has already caused controversy because of his links with Cherie Blair, the wife of the Prime Minister. Yesterday, the Attorney Generals office confirmed newspaper reports that Mr Macdonald was convicted of possessing cannabis in 1971. At the time, Mr Macdonald was a student at Oxford University. He was caught and charged with possessing a small quantity of cannabis resin after sending 0.1g of the drug to a friend through the post. Oliver Letwin, the shadow home secretary, said the revelation of the conviction called Mr Macdonalds suitability for the post into question. "There may be public disquiet about the appointment of a chief prosecutor who has himself been prosecuted in the past," he said. Michael Howard, the shadow chancellor, has also criticised the appointment of Mr Macdonald, saying his legal career has been devoted to defence and that he had little experience of prosecuting ordinary criminals. Mr Letwin added: "We are more concerned about the fact that, as Michael Howard pointed out several days ago, the government has nominated somebody who has very little by way of experience of prosecuting ordinary criminals." As Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Macdonald will oversee the introduction of measures in the Criminal Justice Bill.
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