About

I am an academic practitioner and a practitioner academic in the field of forensic linguistics.

I am Professor of Forensic Linguistics at Aston University.

I am Director of the Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics.

I am not currently taking on case work.

You can find my full 2023 CV here.

I am an experienced academic, skilled in teaching, productive in research and engaged in a range of administrative roles.  I have attracted research income in excess of £11M since I joined Aston University in 2007 and I led the development of the Centre for Forensic Linguistics in its transformation to become the Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics as the internationally leading research group in the discipline.  

I am a practitioner forensic linguist. My analyses have helped resolve numerous cases nationally and internationally.  These cases relate to the criminal law, issues of national security, and civil and arbitration disputes.

For example:

• I have contributed evidence in many criminal trials, for prosecution and defence, in cases involving terrorism, murder, rape and sexual assault.
• I have been involved in investigations where forensic linguistic evidence was critical in providing intelligence and evidence for arrests where several hundred lives were at issue.
• I have provided evidence to assist the resolution of copyright disputes and in arbitration hearings including the Yukos arbitration hearings which upheld a $50bn award against the Russian Federation.  

I am experienced in providing professional training in forensic linguistics and language and law to police, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, lawyers and judges.

I am at ease engaging with press, television and radio.