A HI-TECH crime investigator will be returning to the scene of her education to help celebrate the anniversary of a Teesside Academy.
Digital forensic expert Michelle Thomas will be among hundreds of former students and teachers to re-unite at The King’s Academy's ten year reunion celebration later this year.
Michelle, 26, originally of Coulby Newham but now living in Northampton, was one of the first students to study at the academy when it opened in 2003.
“I think it’s a great idea that The King’s is having a reunion,” said Michelle, who works for Northamptonshire Police.
“I don’t get to return to the North East that often, only about once every four months to see my family and of course to have a parmo, so it will be a really good opportunity to catch up with friends from my time at school.”
Michelle, whose job involves examining devices including laptops, tablet computers and mobile telephones for evidence and crime related intelligence, was inspired by her time at The King’s to move into the field of digital forensics.
“I always enjoyed IT lessons at school and my teacher Mrs Pearce-Roberts was fantastic,” said Michelle.
“When it came to choosing a university course, digital forensics seemed ideal. It was heavily linked to my interest in IT and also had a science element to it which I enjoyed.”
She now works closely with the Child Protection Team, CID and the Fraud Team on all types of criminal investigations including murder, rape, fraud, child abuse and cases of harassment.
“Quite often the only evidence in an investigation is from the digital devices seized so essentially entire investigations can rely on my findings,” said Michelle.
“The satisfaction of someone such as a paedophile being charged and prosecuted based on my work is highly rewarding.”
As well as seeing her old classmates at the reunion on Saturday April 26, Michelle is also looking forward to meeting up with some of her former teachers.
“I still keep in touch with some friends from school but not as many as I would have liked to,” she added.
“The teachers there were great. Mrs Holmes, my form tutor, was my favourite and her support and encouragement were exceptional, as was Mrs Pearce-Roberts, Mrs Hurst, Mrs Lord and Mrs Young. I’m looking forward to seeing them all again.”
Former students and teachers of The King’s Academy can register their place and find out more about the tenth anniversary celebrations at www.thekingsacademyreunion.org.uk