A “BRILLIANT” Oxford psychologist who died in a car crash on Thursday has been hailed as a “wonderful character and remarkable man”.

David Westbrook, 62, of East Oxford, was driving home from his parents’ house in Barford, Warwickshire, at about 5pm when his VW Polo was in collision with a Toyota people carrier on the A429.

Mr Westbrook’s family told the Oxford Mail they were “devastated” by the news and were still in shock.

They said: “David was a bright and very kind man. He was a wonderful character and very funny.

“He was a man who was at the top of his particular tree but you would never know it. He never lauded it and was always interested in what other people were doing.

“We are utterly devastated, as are colleagues and friends.”

Mr Westbrook was a world-renowned psychologist who had several books published on the subject.

His 2007 publication, An Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Skills and Applications was hailed by industry critics as a masterwork.

He was considered an expert in cognitive therapy and spent more than 40 years working for the NHS.

Last year he stepped down from his role as director of the Warneford Hospital in Oxford to work part-time and tour the world giving speeches.

The director of Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (OCTC), Freda McManus, paid tribute to her friend, co-author and former colleague.

She said: “He wouldn’t be able to go down the street in Oxford without bumping into a former patient, and everyone thought so highly of him.

“I first came here in 1996 and remember my first days at the hospital. I thought I worked pretty long hours, and as I was leaving I would go past him beavering away.

“He was hugely dedicated and gifted. Nobody could remember when he started and it will be difficult to imagine what it will be like without him here.

“His work not only helped patients but a lot of therapists too.

“He worked for the NHS for 40 years and he should be remembered as someone who dedicated his life to helping people.”

He also wrote books with his wife, Martina Mueller, 54, who is also a psychologist and an expert in the field of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

They lived together in East Oxford and have three children, Sam, 27, a nurse in London, Katie, 21, a medical student, and Anna, a 17-year-old Cheney School pupil.

In his younger days he was a student at St Peter’s College, Oxford, spending time in Birmingham and London before returning to Oxford.

Five men in the other vehicle suffered varying injuries, some serious. Three were taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, and two to Warwick Hospital.

Police want to hear from witnesses. Phone Warwickshire Police Major Investigation Unit (Roads) on 01926 415415.