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]
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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'.
He was eventually charged with obtaining a money transfer by deception, obtaining property by deception, perverting the course of justice and perjury after the fraud was exposed.
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] Morrison pleaded gulity to two charges and was found guilty on the remaining 20; he was sentenced to five years imprisonment,[1] with police suggesting 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]
On 15 October 2009, Morrison was convicted of thirteen child sex offences (three counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child) and one count of perverting the course of justice.[4]
He was sentenced to an indeterminate term of imprisonment with a minimum of seven-and-a-half years, to be served cumulatively with the five year sentence. Morrison will be eligible for parole in 2017.