Report 750809
I then considered the production
note, using all the
investigation. The pen used was consistent with its being
held in the right hand at the conventional angle, except
for the date and its underlining. The date and its
underlining were not only different in the pressure exerted
but also in the angle of the pen. Whilst this would imply
movement of the envelope, I also formed an opinion that all
the writing, excluding these two items, was produced whilst
the writer was seated and that the date and its
underscore were written whilst the writer was standing.
When a person stands to write, the pen moves a few degrees
towards the vertical, which alters the pressure exerted on
the writing line, as in this instance.
of the alleged
alleged suicide
material obtained during this
I had noted that the date area, plus some other items, had
been written over the join on the reverse side of the
envelope and 1 tested all handwriting in that area before
reaching my conclusion.
I had earlier requested information directly from Inspector
Maclennan's family. as to whether he was right or left
handed, rather than relying on the statements supplied. 1
was informed by my
by my Instructing Solicitors that his mother
stated he was right handed. I received this information
before I had completed the evidence as to the angle of the
pen but ignored it during the examination.
I considered the photographs of the envelope in position on