Oliver Thorne

Oliver Thorne is the head of LGC Forensics' Questioned Documents team: part of the Digital and Document Forensics section. Having gained a first class degree in Physics, Oliver joined the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory in 1989 where he trained in all aspects of forensic document examination. In 1991 he joined LGC’s Questioned Documents team as a Higher Scientific Officer. In 2001 Oliver was promoted to his current position as Head of Questioned Documents.

Oliver has examined many thousands of documents and associated items in both criminal and civil matters, acting for a range of clients from the police, government and private sectors. He has given court evidence, providing expert witness testimony for both the prosecution and defence on many occasions. In 2007 Oliver presented evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee for Standards and Privileges in the George Galloway, ‘Telegraph documents’ case.

Oliver has over 17 years experience working with questioned documents, employing the latest techniques in the forensic analyses of documents including the following areas: handwriting, obliterations, alterations and erasures; printed and photocopied documents, indented impressions, damaged, torn or shredded documents, typewriting, ink and paper comparisons, stamps and stamp impressions and graffiti.

Oliver has presented on the topic of the forensic examination of documents on many occasions, at both national and international events. In October 2003 he chaired the Forensic Science Society's Conference ' Modern Office Technology' at LGC.