Hampshire police and crime commissioner appoints £60,000 assistant

Former courts service senior leader Enzo Riglia beat eight other candidates for the role with crime commissioner Michael Lane.

As reported, Mr Lane's decision in April to find an assistant was branded a 'kick in the teeth' by Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan.

It came at a time of scrutiny over Mr Lane's budget after he increased office costs in the same budget paper as proposals to slash officer posts at Hampshire police.

Now a Freedom of Information request has found Mr Rigilia was appointed by Mr Lane's office.

A spokeswoman said: 'Enzo Riglia serving as assistant police and crime commissioner supports the police and crime commissioner and leads the focus on criminal justice ensuring that the needs of victims and witnesses are at the heart of policing.

'His role drives partnership working across the criminal justice system and aims to identify innovative solutions that will improve effectiveness and efficiency.'

Mr Riglia was head of crime for the south west region of HM Courts and Tribunal Service, sitting on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Criminal Justice Board.

Mr Riglia previously worked on in-court innovation and on a review of efficiency for criminal cases in courts.