I was born and raised in Essex - Hornchurch and Billericay - then in 1968 I went to Exeter University to read Zoology (happy days!). In 1972 I went to Belfast to work as a Research Assistant in the Psychology Department of Queen's University, where I took an MSc in Psychopharmacology. I stayed on in Belfast, becoming a full-time student again to do a PhD in Animal Behaviour, before doing post-doctoral work in that area and teaching at OU Summer Schools. I also appeared on 'Mastermind' and 'University Challenge' and managed a pop group, The Tearjerkers (I had great fun touring with Thin Lizzy, Dexys Midnight Runners and Motorhead!).

After 15 impecunious years as an academic I joined the Civil Service in 1986 and became a criminologist, doing research on policing in Northern Ireland. For 10 years I was Head of Research with the local Police Authority, then I was Head of Research with the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland before taking early retirement in 2004.

After moving to Lancaster in January 2006 I'm now spending more time reading, e-Baying, and hosting our spare room on AirBnB.

I've supported Southend United through thick and thin (mainly thin) since 1967. I had two great days out at the LDV Vans Trophy Finals at the Minellium Stadium and another day out at Wembley for the Johnston's Paint Pot Trophy Final, even though we lost all three times! We made up for it with promotion and from Division 2 to Division 1, then the Division 1 Championship, and then beating Manchester United (Rooney, Ronaldo et al) in the League Cup! Sadly we're now back in Division 2 - but at least I get to see them play at such wonderful places as Morecambe, Accrington and Fleetwood!

I read masses - I enjoy SF (particularly Iain Banks and Neal Asher), military history and modern British writers like David Lodge, Kate Atkinson, William Boyd and Martin Amis.