Handwriting Expert Witness Case Study 4

Independent forensic expert evidence in a handwriting case

Bericon Forensics was instructed to provide independent forensic expert witness evidence in a criminal case involving disputed handwriting.

Following a drugs investigation, the defendant’s flat was searched and several items were seized. These included mobile phones, a quantity of cannabis and a blue notebook alleged to contain a list of drug debtors.

The prosecution case relied in part on the suggestion that the defendant had written the entries in the notebook.

The forensic expert’s instructions

A forensic handwriting expert witness was asked to examine the disputed entries and assess whether they had been written by the defendant.

Bericon Forensics supplied specimen handwriting forms for the defendant to complete. These samples were then compared with the writing contained in the blue notebook.

The forensic expert considered:

• the quality and quantity of the disputed writing;
• the defendant’s specimen handwriting;
• individual letter formations and writing habits;
• similarities and differences between the samples;
• whether the writing was sufficiently detailed for reliable comparison; and
• whether any entries appeared to have been written by another person.

Independent forensic handwriting examination

The forensic expert found that much of the writing in the notebook was highly fragmented.

Short words, numbers, initials and isolated entries can provide only limited handwriting evidence. Where the available material is too restricted, a reliable opinion about authorship may not be possible.

The expert concluded that no attempt should be made to attribute authorship to the defendant in relation to most of the disputed entries.

The examination also identified evidence that some of the writing had not been produced by the defendant.

Expert witness conclusion

The forensic handwriting expert witness concluded that the notebook evidence did not reliably establish that the defendant had written the alleged drug-debt entries.

Most of the writing was unsuitable for a meaningful authorship assessment, while some entries showed evidence of having been written by another person.

The expert report therefore supported the defence position and highlighted the limitations of the prosecution’s interpretation of the notebook.

Case outcome

Following service of the forensic expert witness report, the prosecution discontinued the case.

This case demonstrates the importance of obtaining an independent forensic handwriting examination where disputed notes, signatures or documents are being relied upon as evidence of authorship.

Instruct a handwriting expert witness

Bericon Forensics provides access to experienced forensic experts and expert witnesses for criminal and civil cases involving:

• disputed handwriting;
• signature examination;
• questioned documents;
• anonymous letters and notes;
• alleged drug-debt records;
• altered or amended documents;
• comparison with specimen handwriting;
• review of prosecution handwriting reports; and
• independent expert witness reports.

Our forensic handwriting and document experts can assess the quality of the evidence, explain the limitations of any comparison and prepare clear reports for solicitors, counsel and the court.

Contact Bericon Forensics to discuss the instruction of a handwriting expert witness.