The Open University has launched an investigation into a creative writing lecturer accused of publishing stories by other authors, including Dylan Thomas, under her own name. Dr Joanne Benford, 41, from Hartlepool, is under scrutiny following allegations that she plagiarised works for her anthologies.
The claims emerged after Newport-born author Alex Keegan discovered a story he wrote in 1990 in one of Dr Benford's books. Mr Keegan, who survived the Clapham Junction rail crash in 1988, said he was shocked to find his story 'Postcards from BalloonLand' in Dr Benford's collection 'Coming Up For Air' and again in 'The People's Friend Annual 2003'.
Another of Dr Benford's books, 'Down By The Water', includes a story called 'Holiday Memory' that closely resembles a 1946 radio play of the same name by Dylan Thomas. The University of Sunderland, where Dr Benford completed her PhD, is also investigating a plagiarism allegation against her.
Mr Keegan, who runs writing boot camps in Gwynedd, described the situation as 'incredible' and 'not very pleasant'. He was alerted by a former pupil who saw the Kindle excerpt of his story under Dr Benford's name. The Open University stated it does not tolerate plagiarism and has taken immediate action, though Dr Benford has not been suspended as she is not currently teaching.
