Hawkins would like to wish Mechanical Engineer, Dr John Horsfall and Materials Scientist, Dr Andy Ninham, a very happy retirement. John and Andy have both recently retired from Hawkins with a combined service of over 80 years.
Beginning his career in 1980, John was the first forensic expert to be recruited by our founder, Roy Hawkins. During his time at Hawkins, John worked on the application of physics to engineering problems, leading him to investigate incidents including several tower crane collapses, aircraft system malfunctions and industrial power transmission failures. He was responsible for investigating Hawkins’ highest-pressure investigation; an underwater transducer failure in the oil industry, as well as the lowest-pressure investigation; a communication satellite high-vacuum test chamber.
John set up Hawkins’ renowned road traffic investigation service in the early 1980s, which remained a major part of his work, helping it grow to the largest independent RTA team in the UK. During his time with Hawkins, John served as a Director for 20 years, and 7 as Chairman. Clocking up over 1500 cases, he has also been an expert witness in Court cases, Coroner’s Inquests and confidential arbitrations.
Dr Andy Ninham joined Hawkins in 1989 and has carried out over 1000 forensic investigations involving materials engineering, mechanical failures, personal injuries and road traffic accidents. Andy was extensively involved in road accident investigations involving the full range of vehicles and pedestrians, whilst also dealing with disputes involving seatbelt use. During his time at Hawkins, Andy provided extensive expert opinion in legal cases and regularly gave evidence as an expert witness in Magistrates, County, Crown, High and Appeal Courts. In addition to his investigative role, Andy was the Regional Manager of the Cambridge office for several years and played an instrumental role in the Hawkins Board.
With an incredible 80+ years of combined service to Hawkins, and working on over 2500 cases between them, we wish John and Andy all the best in their retirement, and thank them for all their dedication, leadership and hard work that they have brought to Hawkins.
