A former chief prosecutor who presided over a series of botched rape trials is awarded a damehood today, prompting criticism of the honours system for “rewarding failure”.

Alison Saunders, who stepped down as director of public prosecutions last year, becomes a DCB in the New Year Honours list despite accusations that lives were “ruined” during her tenure.

Dame Alison faced heavy criticism during her time as DPP for presiding over several rape cases that collapsed as a result of the prosecution failing to disclose evidence.



