Notable
Cases
Expert Evidence & Professional Experience
Dr Keith Ashcroft has provided expert commentary, investigative support, credibility assessment and expert evidence across a range of criminal, civil and international arbitration proceedings. The examples below reflect the breadth of his professional experience as a Consultant Investigative Psychologist and Forensic Polygraph Examiner.
The examples below illustrate areas in which Dr Keith Ashcroft has provided expert commentary, investigative support, credibility assessment or expert evidence. They should not be interpreted as suggesting that psychological profiling or polygraph examinations establish facts with certainty. All opinions were provided within the limitations of the available evidence, the scope of instruction, and accepted professional practice.
Cases Involving Expert Commentary
Dr Ashcroft has been asked to provide expert commentary and behavioural analysis in connection with a number of high-profile criminal investigations. The observations below reflect publicly reported contributions.
The Suffolk Murders (2006)
During the investigation into the murders of five women in Ipswich, Dr Ashcroft was asked to provide a behavioural profile of the offender for media commentary. He proposed that the individual responsible may have harboured resentment toward local authorities and suggested that a history of failed interpersonal relationships could be a relevant factor in understanding the offender's behaviour.
Fred West — Public Commentary (2002)
Dr Ashcroft publicly discussed possible neuropsychological factors relevant to the case of Fred West. He noted that a serious head injury sustained during West's adolescence may warrant consideration alongside broader psychological and behavioural evidence when seeking to understand patterns of offending. Dr Ashcroft indicated an interest in examining post-mortem data to explore whether frontal lobe function may have been affected.
Homicide Case — Expert Commentary (2008)
Dr Ashcroft was asked to comment on a case in which victims were bound prior to their deaths and fire was used at the scene. He observed that the evidence appeared inconsistent with an opportunistic burglary and suggested a significant degree of premeditation. He further noted that the deliberate destruction of forensic evidence may indicate an offender with prior exposure to the criminal justice system.
Cases Involving Credibility Assessment
Dr Ashcroft has been instructed to provide polygraph examinations and credibility assessments in a range of criminal, corporate and sporting matters. Polygraph examinations measure physiological responses and assist credibility assessment as one component of a wider evidential picture.
Michael Shields Case (2008)
Dr Ashcroft was instructed in connection with the case of Michael Shields, a Liverpool football supporter who was serving a prison sentence following a conviction for attempted murder in Bulgaria. Dr Ashcroft assessed Mr Shields' fitness and suitability for polygraph examination and assisted the examining polygrapher in conducting a structured credibility assessment relating to the disputed allegations.
Nicole Walker — Court of Arbitration for Sport (2021)
Dr Ashcroft acted as the specialist polygraph examiner in the case of Nicole Walker, a Canadian equestrian athlete who had tested positive for a cocaine metabolite. Ms Walker maintained that the positive result was attributable to the inadvertent consumption of coca tea. Dr Ashcroft conducted a polygraph examination addressing her account and provided expert evidence to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The polygraph evidence formed part of the wider material considered by the tribunal in reaching its decision.
Cases of Expert Testimony
Dr Ashcroft has provided expert psychological reports and oral evidence in proceedings before the following courts and tribunals. His duty in all cases is to the court or tribunal, and his evidence is prepared in accordance with relevant professional and procedural rules.
The Crown & Appeal Courts in Scotland
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Complex Casework Unit
The Royal Court of Jersey
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Professional Independence
Dr Ashcroft acts as an independent expert in all instructions. His overriding duty is to the court, tribunal or other decision-making body before which his evidence is presented, and not to the party by whom he is instructed or remunerated.
His opinions are formed on the basis of the available evidence and accepted professional practice. Where the evidence supports a conclusion that is unfavourable to the instructing party, Dr Ashcroft will say so. He does not act as an advocate for either side.
All work is conducted in accordance with the ethical and professional standards of the British Psychological Society, the American Polygraph Association, and the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.