In the media: QDE and handwriting examination featured on BBC News North West

Handwriting insights for a BBC report on anonymous letters

We recently provided expert handwriting analysis for a BBC News report on a series of anonymous "poison pen" letters in Liverpool. The report provided a look into how forensic experts evaluate disputed documents to determine their origin.

The Process of Comparative Analysis

When examining anonymous letters, a key objective is often to determine whether multiple documents were written by the same individual. During the report, Lis Briggs demonstrated how we perform a side-by-side comparative analysis of handwriting samples.

We examine individual characteristics in the handwriting including subconscious habits in letter formations, spacing, connections and writing slope. These traits often remain consistent across different documents, allowing an expert to identify patterns that might be missed by a casual observer.

Providing Expert Commentary

For the BBC report, Lis compared images of two anonymous letters to assess their similarities. She walked the reporter through the specific features of the handwriting, explaining why, in her expert opinion, there was strong evidence that the two letters originated from the same individual.

Professional Expertise in Practice

While this demonstration was for a news report, the comparative methods shown are a fundamental part of our daily casework. Whether we are instructed on a private dispute, a contested Will, or a corporate matter, our aim is to provide clear, objective evidence based on detailed examination and many years of casework experience.

Forensic handwriting examination is commonly used in civil and criminal proceedings to assess disputed documents, signatures and anonymous correspondence. With over 30 years of combined forensic experience, Lis and Hannah provide court-compliant reports to assist solicitors and private clients across the UK.

You can read the full story on the BBC News website here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c741z7z1k81o

Forensic handwriting expert Lis Briggs said the two letters she analysed appeared to be written by the same person, in her professional opinion Credit: BBC