Courts / Wicklow / Report
Forensic expert tells trial that alleged forged letter was a "bad quality photocopied document"
Summary
A forensic expert, Inspector Michael Moore, testified in the trial of Detective Garda Catherine McGowan that the alleged forged letter from the Director of Public Prosecutions was a 'bad quality photocopied document.' Moore, who has 20 years of experience in the forensic field and has completed training with the US Secret Service and London Metropolitan Police, stated that he was asked to determine if the letter, dated January 14, 2009, was genuine or if it was produced using parts of other documents. He found three different fonts used in the letter, misalignments on the left-hand side, and scan lines suggesting at least two other documents were used to produce it. Moore explained that scan lines or shadow lines indicated a cut document was placed on a photocopier to get an image, and that three documents were used to create the letter. Catherine McGowan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Forensic expert tells trial that alleged forged letter was a "bad quality photocopied document". Charges or matters: one count of forgery on January 15, 2009 at Bray Garda Station and two counts of using a false instrument at Bray Garda Station and at Harcourt Street Garda Station between June 21 and 22, 2011. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 14, 2004 Other
- January 15, 2009 Other
- June 21 Other
- January 14, 2009 Other
- April 2, 2009 Other
- 2015-02-27 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: one count of forgery on January 15, 2009 at Bray Garda Station and two counts of using a false instrument at Bray Garda Station and at Harcourt Street Garda Station between June 21 and 22, 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- is based at Bray Garda Station
- Bray
- at Bray Garda Station
- false instrument at Bray Garda Station
- and at Harcourt Street Garda Station
- Harcourt Street
Topics
Related court reports
- 'Alternative dispute resolution': man arranged 'straightener' during which dad-of-seven was stabbed to death
- Murder accused pleads guilty to violent disorder at playground
- Former accountant went on 'nationwide tour' with bank card stolen from hospital patient
- State defends use of social media photos in Bray Boxing Club shooter's trial
- Facebook photos of Bray Boxing Club shooter with gun prejudiced his jury, barrister claims
- Suspended sentence for sex assault on girl (6)
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request