Barry Shaw

Sir Charles Barry Shaw, (12 April 1923 – 30 September 2010) was a Northern Irish barrister. From 1972 to 1989, he served as the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland; he was the first holder of this post.

Early life and education Shaw was born on 12 April 1923 in Balmoral, Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was educated at Inchmarlo House in Belfast and at Pannal Ash College in Harrogate, England. After leaving school, he matriculated into Queen's University Belfast to study science. He then served in the 97 Anti-Tank Regiment attached to the 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division. As such, he was head of the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland "throughout the worst years of the Troubles".

In December 1964, Shaw was called to the Inner Bar of Northern Ireland, thereby becoming a Queen's Counsel (QC). He was elected a Bencher in 1968.

Honours In the 1974 Queen's Birthday Honours, Shaw was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in recognition of his service as Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland (DPP). In the 1980 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor, and thereby granted the title sir, in recognition of his service as DPP. On 4 March 1980, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. He was made an Honorary Bencher of Middle Temple in 1986.