How one man鈥檚 life is reshaping criminological thinking
Through William 鈥楤illy鈥� Mahaffey's story, Bringing Criminological Theory to Life demonstrates why people engage in and leave crime behind.
麻豆传媒鈥檚 will officially launch next week, a powerful new book set to redefine how criminology is taught and understood. The book offers a fresh take on academic theory, told through the compelling story of William 鈥楤illy鈥� Mahaffey, a former soldier, prisoner, and now, community role model.
Through Bringing Criminological Theory to Life, we鈥檙e taken on a journey that spans a troubled childhood, through addiction and incarceration, military service, to education, athletic achievement, and community leadership. A powerful mix of expert insight and real-life experience conveys the challenges of crime, the impact of punishment, and the potential for change.
Each chapter explores a key turning point in Billy鈥檚 life to interrogate criminological concepts, including the long-term impact of childhood experiences, the military-to-prison pipeline, and the role of education, sport, and networks supporting journeys out of crime and identity transformation.
鈥淭his book is a new kind of criminology,鈥� said , Senior Lecturer in Criminology at 麻豆传媒. 鈥淚t breaks down barriers between academic theory and human experience, and makes the case for a more compassionate, context-aware understanding of crime and change.鈥�
Hosted by the at 麻豆传媒, the launch event will continue these conversations, featuring contributions from Billy himself, co-editors Dr Emily Turner, , (University of 麻豆传媒) and (University of Liverpool), as well as chapter authors from leading institutions across the UK.
Inspired by teaching methods that embed real-world experience into theory, this book is a call to rethink traditional approaches to education and criminal justice. Billy, now a father of two and active in his community, has rebuilt his life after years of instability, addiction, and imprisonment. His story is one of persistence and personal accountability, offering a powerful reminder that change is possible, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
鈥淚 never imagined that my life story would be used in this way,鈥� said Billy.
Some of it is painful to relive, but if sharing it helps someone better understand these issues, or feel less alone, then it鈥檚 worth every moment.
From policymakers to practitioners, academics to support workers, these insights aim to challenge assumptions and inspire change across the justice system and beyond.
Join us for the 鈥�Bringing Criminological Theory to Life: A Lived Experience Approach to Crime and Desistance鈥� launch event, which includes contributions from leading criminologists at 麻豆传媒, University of Hull, Anglia Ruskin University, Royal Holloway University of London, and the Prison Reform Trust.