University News Last updated 29 July 2009
A leading criminologist from Birmingham City University has been hailed the most popular media expert in his field, according to a recent survey.
Professor David Wilson topped a league of more than 70 colleagues to become nominated as the criminologist with the highest media profile.
The study, carried out by Nic Groombridge, senior lecturer in criminology and the media at St Mary's University College compiled a league table that looked at those who were mentioned most often in the press. He found Professor Wilson was mentioned 16 times in eight different newspapers. He provided comment on such high profile cases as fraudster John Darwin, the back-from-the dead canoeist' who faked his own death in a boating accident and fled to Panama, and Josef Fritzel, who imprisoned his daughter in his cellar and fathered seven children with her.
Professor Wilson said he was delighted to have topped the poll and attributed his success to radio and television work that meant he was well known among newspaper journalists and therefore their "first port of call."
He said: "I am delighted with this recognition because Criminology should play a role in shaping public opinion and understanding about Crime and punishment.
"I don't regard myself as the country's top criminologist but someone the Press has come accustomed to calling on events in the public eye."