I am an academic, researcher, and consultant in forensic linguistics.

I am co-host of the Writing Wrongs podcast - with Dr Nicci MacLeod.

I have particular research interest and expertise in forensic authorship analysis focusing on short form messages such as SMS text messages, Twitter posts and Internet Relay Chat. Recent publications have focussed on online sexual abuse conversations.

I have also published broadly across forensic linguistics including research on the linguistics of the police interview, the analysis of threatening communication and the pragmatics of non-verbal consent in rape cases.

I am co-editor of the Cambridge Elements in Forensic Linguistics series with Dr Tammy Gales of Hofstra University, New York.

My career research grant capture is in excess of £23M, bringing in more than £14M to Aston University.

In 2025 I was awarded Aston University’s Chancellor’s Medal for service to the university and to my discipline.

I am one of the world’s most experienced forensic linguistic practitioners and my case work has involved the analysis of abusive and threatening communications in many different contexts including investigations into sexual assault, stalking, murder and terrorism.

In 2019 I was award an NCA Commendation for my part in the investigation that led to the arrest and successful prosecution of Matthew Falder.

I have provided evidence for both prosecution and defence in criminal cases, in commercial arbitration disputes, and in civil cases involving discipline and dismissal of staff, and copyright infringement and plagiarism.

I provided linguistic evidence in the $50bn Yukos arbitration dispute on behalf of the Yukos shareholders.

I have assisted in designing and presenting police media appeals, such as for the BBC Crimewatch programme.

I have significant experience of working with press, TV and radio and my work has appeared in newspaper and magazine feature articles, in The Atlantic, on the BBC 1 OneShow and on the BBC Radio 4 Programme Word of Mouth. 

I regularly speak to wider adult and schools audiences at events such as Café Scientifique and the British Festival of Science and Social Science.