Bernard Sheldon

Born on 14 July 1924, he received a scholarship to Hurstpierpoint College in 1938,[2] was captain of the school, joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 1943, being commissioned the following year.[1] He served on HMS Formidable, seeing action against the Tirpitz and at the Battle of Okinawa.[1]

He was demobilised in 1946 and studied for the Bar, became a member of the Middle Temple in 1947, then was called to the bar in 1949.[1]

While working for the Colonial Legal Service in Malaya he was recruited by MI5.[1] In 1963 he became security liaison officer in Hong Kong.[1] He returned to London in 1966, becoming understudy to MI5's legal adviser until he assumed the role in 1968.[1] He became legal adviser to the Secret Intelligence Service and Government Communications Headquarters.[1]

He was involved in the prosecutions of Geoffrey Prime, Michael Bettaney and Hugh Hambleton.[1]

Controversial allegations about security service activity in Northern Ireland involved him in damage limitation on behalf of the security services.[1]

He retired in 1987, became involved in Citizens Advice Bureau as well as police, fire service and prison boards.[1]

He died on 19 February 2008.[1]