Road Traffic Collisions Archives - Page 7 of 8 - Hawkins Forensic Investigation

Gavin Dunn

Having gained a first-class MEng degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), Gavin started his career by taking on the role of Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate with QUB and John Huddleston Engineering. During this time, he developed the use of CATIA computer aided design software across the business to manufacture 5-axis precision machined aerospace parts, before accepting a position with John Huddleston Engineering as an Engineer. In this role Gavin programmed 5-axis machining centres, designed tooling and jigs, and ensured a consistent production of complex precision aerospace parts was maintained. In 2010, Gavin joined Forensic Science Northern Ireland as a Forensic Engineer in the Road Traffic Collisions (RTC) team. In this role, Gavin attended serious and fatal road traffic collision scenes across Northern Ireland often in the immediate aftermath while the road remained closed by police. Gavin was responsible for the forensic reconstruction of collisions from the scene through to the court room. He conducted examinations, tests, and analyses to determine the circumstances of each collision as fully as possible, many of which were high profile cases. He routinely advised investigation teams on forensic strategy, provided direction to other scientific staff, and liaised with external technical […]

Ross Clarke

Ross graduated from Loughborough University in 2013 with a master’s degree in Automotive Engineering. During his time at university, Ross worked on a joint venture project with JCB to propose a design for a new vehicle to be included in the JCB range. In his final year, he worked in a team to design the drive train system for the University’s Formula Student 2013/2014 vehicle. Since then he has gained over 5 years of engineering experience. Upon graduating from university, he accepted a role as an Engineer at Millbrook Proving Ground. His work included all aspects of testing from components to full vehicle crash safety. His time at Millbrook gained him valuable experience in vehicle collision investigation, and mechanical failure analysis. He was also trained in the use of 3D metrology equipment. In April 2016, Ross setup his own company to provide crash safety consultancy services to OEM’s. He was in a contract with Nissan from March 2016 until December 2018, where he developed their new and existing vehicles’ crash safety performance. He was based in Bedfordshire, but worked throughout Europe. Ross joined Hawkins in January 2019 and is a Senior Associate based in our London office.

John Camplin

John started his career in 1992 working as a research technician at the University of York, Chemistry Department where he provided technical support in analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry and surface analysis. In 1998 he was appointed research associate in the Physics Department investigating the optical effects of Giant Magneto Resistant (GMR) devices leading to the design and development of a Scanning Laser Microscope for GMR film mapping. In 2000 he moved to the University of California as a Research Assistant developing Scanning Tunneling Microscopes for the study of nanoscale surface structures. Two years later John moved back to the UK as a Principal Materials Scientist at BAE Systems InfraRed. There he took a key role in developing semi-conductor devices for InfraRed imaging, and computer models for semi-conductor optics. In 2005 John joined Hawkins. Having established himself in the field of fire investigation, he has also been involved in a broad range of forensic engineering investigations including road traffic accidents, mechanical vibration exposure, roller coasters and fairground equipment and semi-conductor engineering. John also has expertise in the areas of cryogenics, process engineering, vacuum engineering, optics and surface chemistry. John is a Principal Associate based in our Leeds Office.

Richard Baker

Richard joined Hawkins in 2017 as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer. He graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2009 with a First Class Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. Richard has previously occupied the roles of Engineer, Senior Engineer and Principal Engineer. He now specialises in the forensic investigation of road traffic accidents/collisions, vehicle and mechanical failures, and image analysis typically of video recordings from CCTV systems and ‘dash-cams’. Richard has extensive experience in engineering design and analysis. As well as taking on more traditional mechanical engineering cases, such as those involving failures of mechanical joints and fasteners, Richard uses his experience in engineering data analysis and interrogation in cases involving video analysis. Richard applies scientific analysis methods to video recordings to facilitate interpretation of events in the context of space (position), time, speed, and the fundamental scientific and engineering principles that bound the problem. This work includes video clarification and enhancement, relating to single and multiple vehicle accidents, and collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists. This area of Richard’s work often strongly overlaps with his expertise in collision investigation and Richard is regularly instructed to deal with both Video Analysis Expert and Collision Reconstruction Expert aspects of a case. Richard has […]

Hawkins Welcomes Mechanical Engineer Gavin Dunn

This month Hawkins welcomes mechanical engineer Gavin Dunn to our Glasgow Office, we are sure he will be a great asset to our road traffic collision investigation team.

Hawkins’ Collision Investigators Back on Track at Brands Hatch & Cadwell

After a good start to the 2022 Classic Racing Motorcycle Club season at the Welsh Classic meeting in Pembrey over the Easter weekend, Charles and James raced at both the Brands Hatch meeting in May and the Anglesey meeting in June. Charles also most recently took part in races at Cadwell Park on 2 and 3 July.