I gained a BSc in psychology/sociology in 1989 from Bradford University then completed a Masters at Oxford University in 1993 and obtained a diploma in Social Work.

My career in the Criminal Justice System then began as a Probation Officer in West Yorkshire where I supervised low and high risk offenders from prison and in the community, gaining valuable experience over 20 years in mental disorder, sexual offending, drug crime and domestic violence.

I then transferred these skills and moved into law, initially undertaking prison law with parole hearings and adjudication representation. I furthered my interest in mentally disordered offenders and became an accredited mental health panel member in 2014. I feel my academic study, my background in probation and my subsequent experience representing clients at Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers Hearings have ideally placed me to represent the most vulnerable members of our society.