Python is no.1 here as for me. This language has a low entry threshold for everybody. Syntax is just easy. It has a lot of libraries and frameworks, high abilities to integrate into anything. And also tooling is really nice at this point, Jetbrains PyCharm is probably the best IDE now.
Alternatively, I would advise to benefit from Java. This language and its platform have the largest amount of different libraries/frameworks in the world. So you won't need to invent a bicycle.
I am interested to hear the opinions on what the 'best' programming language would be for a newbie to use in computer forensics.
First of all there is no "best" or "worst", there are pros and cons.
It will depend on your needs/circumstance how to weigh these.
A programming language is a means to an end, though some people make it a religion
You not only need to consider the language also the environment in which you program
Do you need low level access e.g. to a GPU? Or do you want to make something web-based?
Also how maintainable should your code be, e.g. are you writing a one-off or you want to build something more maintainable over time.
So my questions to you what do you want to accomplish? What is your current programming expertise?