Patrick gained a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.  He specialised with a Master of Science degree in Engineering in the field of dust explosions.  He then read for a Doctor of Philosophy at Cardiff School of Engineering, in the field of the investigation of fires and explosions.  He was awarded two scholarships during his studies.

Patrick gained industrial experience in the deep level gold mines of South Africa.  He has also held management positions in blue chip manufacturing organisations in Europe.  This experience has involved working in hazardous environments and has extended to the most stringent quality systems.

Patrick is a member of the Institute of Materials Minerals and Mining (UK).  He is a Chartered Engineer (UK) as well as a European Chartered Engineer through this Institute.  He is also a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers (UK), the Institute of Arson Investigators (USA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (USA).

Patrick joined Burgoynes in 2001.  In 2007 he transferred to the Singapore office.

Patrick has investigated fires and explosions in the mining, factory, building, machinery, equipment, automotive and marine sectors.  These investigations have involved the cause and spread of fires and the evaluation of preventive and protective measures.  He has an in depth knowledge of combustion ranging from smouldering fires to detonation explosions. 

Patrick has published technical papers in journals, for one of which he jointly received the Douglas Hay medal for the best technical paper published in the IMMM Journal 2001.  He has provided expert evidence in South Africa and the United Kingdom.  Patrick was also appointed as the Chairman of the International Technical Committee to investigate the cause of an explosion at Middelbult Colliery in which 53 men died.