Birmingham-born lawyer who became the UK’s first Muslim chief prosecutor and an advocate for victims of abuse.

Nazir Afzal is one of the UK’s most famous legal brains – best-known for his tireless work on the Rochdale grooming case and as a pioneer in the field of law.

The 59-year-old personally overcame racism and prejudice to become a powerful advocate for vulnerable and marginalised communities. He has fought in favour of women’s rights and against forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called honour killings.

As chief crown prosecutor in the northwest of England he was at the forefront of a series of challenging and landmark cases, including the first prosecutions for honour killings and modern slavery.

He continues to advise organisations, including the Welsh government, on gender-based violence and is chair of the Catholic Church’s new Safeguarding Regulator; chair of Hopwood Hall College; chair of the London Fire Brigade Culture Review; a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and patron of nine women-led charities working to support victims.

Despite facing personal and professional abuse, he says doing the right thing gives him the motivation to keep going.

He said: “In 2006, I got a visit from Special Branch who told me my name was on a verified Al Qaeda death list. Then they told me that there was nothing they could do, so I went home that evening and hugged my children close.

“But the next day I was back at work doing what I needed to do. In 2012, when I dealt with grooming gangs, I was on a far right death list. But if you’re getting it from both sides you are probably in the right place, so it wouldn’t stop me pursuing justice. There’s always a personal cost but you need to do the right thing.”