Among other roles he was director of research for the College of Arts and Social Science, as well as interim head of college for a period. During his distinguished career he also worked at the Centre for Criminological Research in the University of Oxford, the City University of Hong Kong and the University of the South Pacific.

In 1999, he was appointed as one of the first members of the new Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, which investigates alleged miscarriages of justice, and was a commissioner until 2007.

He was also a member of the McInnes Committee on Summary Criminal Justice, which sat in 2002-2003.

Head of the law school, Greg Gordon, said: “Pete was a great friend and confidant to many and provided the School and the broader University community with tremendous service in his more than 40 year career here.”

He added: “More important than the specifics of the offices he held, Pete made time for people and I and many others feel honoured to have been his friend.

“He will be sorely missed by all in our School and our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this time.”