A respected Co Derry criminologist will be remembered following his death as a gifted academic whose work gave voice to victims.
Dr Gareth Addidle, who was originally from the Moneymore area but lived in England, died suddenly on Wednesday.
He was an Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Bradford, having achieved his doctorate at at Plymouth University.
His expertise extended into policing, and he had worked with forces across the UK, while his research included areas such as ‘county lines’ drug dealing networks, terrorism and child sexual exploitation.
Paying tribute to her colleague, Dr Fiona Cosson, head of Law and Social Sciences at the University of Bradford, told the Irish News: “Dr Gareth Addidle joined the University of Bradford as an Associate Professor in Criminology in 2022 and was a much-respected member of the department who had many friends and contacts across the university and beyond.
“His tireless research on issues including modern slavery and terrorism helped to raise awareness and give its victims a voice.
“His knowledge and expertise in the area of vulnerability in policing and in multi and intra-agency working practices and governance saw him work with police services and government agencies across the UK.”
She added: “We are shocked and saddened by this news and send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
Dr Addidle, who was a tetraplegic and a wheelchair user, had also spoken of his health journey online, inspiring others with his story of resilience.
A death notice described Dr Addidle as the “much loved son of David and Elaine, Moneymore, devoted Dad of Lillie and Logan, loving grandson of Meta and the late John Donaghy and the late Marshall and Betty Addidle, and a dearly loved nephew and cousin”.
DUP Mid Ulster councillor Anne Forde said: “This news was a shock to all those who knew Dr Addidle and his family back home.
“I wish to offer my sympathies and support to his loved ones at this very difficult time.”
