Investigator of the Year

Ex-cop is Top PI

A former traffic sergeant with Avon & Somerset police has been named as Britain's top Private Investigator.

Phil Lewis, who retired from the Constabulary in 1997, set up Pathfinder Investigations in the Millennium Year and has been named as the UK's top private eye by the Association of British Investigators, which promotes the standing and reputation of investigative professionals.

"It was a natural progression to go into investigating in the private sector," says Phil. "My experience with the police has been a significant advantage and I have been involved in a number of cases where my knowledge has made a real difference."

Phil, who now lives at Nailsworth in Gloucestershire, originally began his crime-fighting career in the Warwickshire Constabulary, but joined Avon & Somerset in 1981. He had a varied background in the force, including serving as a Custody Officer, in CID and the Family and Child Protection Unit, as well as the Road Traffic Department.

To win the coveted PI of the year award Phil was nominated by his peers within the investigative industry and elected by the 600 plus members of the Association.

Pathfinder Investigations works for the legal profession, commerce and private individuals recovering debts and making inquiries, but more latterly has been engaged to work as a private bailiff, an area of the business he would like to expand.