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Area of Expertise
Handwriting analysis
Forged or disputed documents
Signature comparison
Summary
Anthony was trained at the Laboratory of the Government Chemist in London after which, in 1989, he choose to specialise in the scientific examination of handwriting, signatures and disputed documents. In 1992 Anthony was employed by the Home Office Forensic Science Service (FSS) where he remained until its closure in March 2012. Whist employed by the Forensic Science Service
Anthony was the National Scientific Lead for the subject and was also Chairman of the working group for handwriting examiners within the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).
In his current role as an independent scientist for Forensic Equity, Anthony is a member of the Forensic Science Society and remains one of Europe’s leading and most respected experts in this field, regularly attending international conferences and presenting academic papers on the subject.
During his career Anthony has examined thousands of documents and has dealt with many cases both simple and complex. Importantly, Anthony is a senior court reporting scientist and has given expert witness evidence and assisted counsel with cross-examination on countless occasions.
Anthony regularly works with parties from across the legal spectrum including amongst others, police forces, The Crown Prosecution Service, The Department for Business Innovation and Skills [BIS], and Local Councils.
Anthony is also vastly experienced in undertaking civil litigation casework; acting as either a single expert witness or in the capacity of a single joint expert. Over his career Anthony has produced numerous CRP (civil rules procedures) compliant reports.
Experience
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Leading forensic scientist with over 24 years’ experience.
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Highly respected forensic scientist and expert in all aspects of document examinations including signature comparison, handwriting analysis and the forensic examination of questioned or disputed documents.
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Highly skilled in the utilisation of detailed observational methods to analyse documents in order to determine authenticity and detect forgery.
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Leading handwriting expert, having examined and analysed thousands of documents with evidential value.
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Vastly experienced senior court reporting scientist having presented evidence and assisted with cross-examinations on numerous occasions.
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Highly experienced in offering critical evidence in some of the UKs most high profile and complex cases.
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Trained at the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
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National Scientific Lead / Principal Scientist in the Home Office Forensic Science Service (2005-2012).
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Chairman of the working group for handwriting examiners within the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) (2008-2011).
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Qualified and highly trained auditor for the implementation of ISO 17025 standards.
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Has trained and professionally developed forensic scientists in the UK and overseas. Anthony’s work has included projects in the Middle East, The Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, Hungary and recently in China.
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Has provided speciality training to police forces, government departments and banks.
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Lecturer on a number of degree courses at UK universities.
Committee Memberships
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Active member of the Forensic Science Society and diploma manager for the internationally recognised post-graduate diploma in questioned document examination and handwriting.
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Chairman of the working group for handwriting examiners within the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) (2008-2011) leading on best practice across European laboratories.
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Registered forensic practitioner and a specialist assessor in questioned documents for the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) prior to the register being closed in 2009.
Notable Work
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Commended by West Yorkshire Police Homicide and the Major Enquiry Team for his work.
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Contributed immensely to publications and academia. His contributions include:
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Case assessment and Interpretation in Document Examination – The American Society of Questioned Documents Examiners (ASQDE) .USA, 2001.
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Quality assurance testing - International Conference for Handwriting experts ENFHEX in Budapest, 2005.
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Handwriting of twins - International conference, Turkey, 2003.
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Examination of laser printed and photocopied documents – International meeting of police and government experts. 1994.
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Sampling in forensic science – produced for the quality and competency liaison group within ENFSI.
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Accreditation : What does it mean for the Document Examiner – International Conference, ASQDE, USA, 2007.
Notable Cases
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During his career Anthony has worked on many high profile cases, including murders, kidnappings, rapes, counter-terrorism, serious fraud, money laundering, drugs, organised crime, witness intimidation and civil litigation.
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Murder trial of missing person Janet Brown.
Anthony recently gave evidence at the murder trial of missing person Janet Brown, where handwriting evidence was crucial to the prosecutions assertions of forgery and financial gain being the motive for murder.