University News Last updated 27 June 2018
Criminologists from across the world will gather at Birmingham City University next week, where new research into cases where British tourists have fallen victim to homicide whilst holidaying in a foreign country will be shared.
Researcher and lecturer in Criminology Liam Brolan will discuss his PhD research entitled ‘Making sense of Murder Abroad’ at the annual British Society of Criminology (BSC) Conference, hosted at Birmingham City University from 3 – 6 July.
Brolan’s study explores the impact, extent and law enforcement implications of Britons murdered abroad, aiming to present a comprehensive insight into the experiences of those who have been bereaved as a result of the murder or manslaughter of a loved one in a foreign country.
The research looks to gain an understanding of the issues and difficulties that families may face in the aftermath of a murder, including repatriation, liaising with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and dealing with foreign criminal justice systems and law enforcement agencies.
Working alongside the charity ‘Murdered Abroad’ which was set up to help families bereaved in these circumstances, Brolan has recently conducted an interview with the parents of James Kouzaris, a British tourist who was shot dead in Florida in 2011.
Keynote sessions at the BSC Conference include speeches from Jeff Ferrell, Professor of Sociology at Texas Christian University in America and Cardiff criminologist Professor Michael Levi, whose research explores organised crime, corruption and money laundering.
Dr Adam Lynes, senior lecturer in Criminology at Birmingham City University and chair of the BSC Conference, said: “We’re delighted to host this year’s event which will be of interest to those from both academic and practice-based backgrounds, with an interest in criminology, criminal justice, socio-legal studies, social policy, law, human rights, psychology and sociology.
Other research being presented at the conference includes an online investigation of paedophile hunters and a study into automotive insurance fraud.