Gene Morrison
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Gene Anthony “Rocky” Morrison (born 1958) was a fraudulent forensic detective who operated over three decades in the Hyde area of Greater Manchester, England, under the title Dr. Gene Morrison.
Memorable for his trademark sheepskin jacket; during the course of his deception he managed to trick not only members of the public, but also many judges, lawyers and the police themselves into believing he was a genuine expert in forensic science.[1] Claiming to be an expert in handwriting, drugs, lie detection, toxicology, facial mapping and forensic dentistry, he supposedly had a BSc in forensic psychology, an MSc in forensic investigation, and a PhD in criminology which he purchased from Rochville University, an online website offering 'life experience degrees'. Appearing in court he insisted on being referred to as Doctor throughout the entire trial, and the jury were supposedly reduced to laughter on many occasions throughout the proceedings.[2] He was eventually charged with obtaining a money transfer by deception, obtaining property by deception, perverting the course of justice and perjury, and received a 5 year prison sentence which he is currently serving,[1] although police suggest that Morrison may attempt to revive his forensic services upon release.[2]
A video documentary was made about Morrison. Entitled Crime Scene Conman, it was first shown on BBC1 on 25 March 2008.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Fraudulent forensic expert jailed, BBC News, 22 February 2007
- ^ a b How to fake a living, by Steve Bradshaw, The Sunday Times, February 3, 2008
- ^ Documentary about the conman who passed himself of as a top forensic scientist. BBC One programmes - Crime Scene Conman
