Lie detector test used in Liverpool theft case
A Liverpool lie detector recently helped our client Chris prove that his nephew Freddy had stolen some expensive digging equipment of his. Chris is a self-employed groundskeeper and says he took on his 14 year old nephew as a favour to his sister. Here is Chris’s story and how his case unfolded.
Work experience
Chris got a phone call one morning from his sister, sounding distressed. She explained that Freddy, her son, was struggling and failing at school. She asked Chris if he would be able to take Freddy a day a week as part of a new school programme to help troubled children learn outside the classroom. Worried that Freddy would be expelled if he didn’t take the course, Chris agreed he could take Freddy on a Wednesday each week for a couple of months.
How it all began
Freddy started working with Chris the following week, and seemed happy and keen to be out of school and learning with his uncle. However, Chris soon noticed that towards the end of the first day Freddy started to become lazy and rude. He assumed he was just tired after working a long day of over 8 hours and all manual labour, so cut him some slack.
A week later however, the issues continued. Chris confronted Freddy and told him he needed to sort his attitude out as this was his last chance before school kicked him out and he failed. Freddy bucked up, but seemed angry that Chris had confronted him and didn’t like it.
Missing equipment
The end of the following week, Chris was putting his equipment back in his van. It was then that he noticed a pair of expensive hedging sheers had gone missing. He searched everywhere he has been working, and all over the van encase Freddy had put them back somewhere else. He remembered Freddy used them at the end of their Wednesday shift that week, so decided he would ask Freddy.
Asking Freddy the following week, Freddy denied even using the sheers. Chris knew this was a lie and only made him suspect Freddy more. Chris decided to speak to his wife about the situation later that evening. Tracy told Chris how she had a similar issue arise in her family before. She said that her family had settled the accusations by her sister taking a lie detector test. Tracy remembered the test had taken place at our Manchester office.
Time for a lie detector test
Booking a test in our Liverpool office, Chris rang up his sister and told her his suspicions. He said he didn’t want to argue so instead decided to book a lie detector test for Freddy to make more of an example of him. Chris hoped that if Freddy had taken the sheers he would confess and also feel embarrassed, so as not to steal again.
Two days later Freddy turned up with his mum for his lie detector test, with Chris also present. The pair waited whilst Freddy went for his lie detector test. Test results showed Freddy was lying. Freddy confessed to his mum and Uncle how he had taken the sheers thinking he could sell them or use them to steal bikes. He said he had realised how wrong he had been and instead hid them in the garage the next day, too embarrassed or scared to tell Chris.
Time to forgive and forget
If the equipment was returned, Chris agreed he would forgive and forget Freddy. Chris said how silly Freddy had been, but that he was proud Freddy had realised he had done wrong. He encouraged Freddy not to steal again, or to use equipment for future thefts. Agreeing not to steal again, Chris offered Freddy the chance to start an apprenticeship with him.
If you feel your family or friend is guilty of theft then why not book a test today using our online booking form. Alternatively, you can ring our free helpline on 07572 748364.
