Expert Evidence from the National Lead Forensic Medical Examiner

Hindocha’s Appointment

National Lead Forensic Medical Examiner — one of the most senior forensic medicine appointments in England & Wales.

• MFFLM — Member of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine
• Extensive experience across criminal, civil and CICA proceedings
• Instructed by solicitors, barristers and the Crown Prosecution Service
• Acts for Claimant, Defendant and as Single Joint Expert
• 100+ peer-reviewed publications in forensic and clinical medicine

Assault & Physical Injury

Documentation and expert assessment of injuries resulting from assault, including soft tissue injuries, lacerations, fractures and scarring. Reports prepared for prosecution, defence and as Single Joint Expert.

CICA Claims

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority reports assessing the nature, severity and prognosis of injuries sustained as a direct victim of violent crime, including long-term scarring and psychological sequelae.

Sexual Offences

Forensic medical examination and independent opinion in cases involving sexual assault. Reports prepared with the clinical rigour and sensitivity required for criminal proceedings and court evidence.

Custody Health Assessments

Medical assessment of individuals held in police custody. Fitness-to-detain, fitness-to-interview and general health assessment reports for legal, regulatory and complaints proceedings.

Deaths in Custody

Independent medical opinion on cases involving death in police or prison custody, including reports for Coroners’ inquests, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and related civil claims.

Instruct Prof. Hindocha

All forensic medicine instructions are handled in strict confidence. Reports are prepared to CPR Part 35 standards and delivered within agreed timeframes. Instructions accepted from solicitors, barristers and the CPS.

01

Instruction

Send your letter of instruction with the relevant papers and medical records. All instructions are acknowledged within 24 hours. A fee estimate is provided upfront.

02

Examination

A forensic medical examination is arranged at a suitable location. Findings are documented with clinical precision using standardised forensic methodology aligned with FFLM guidelines.

03

Report

A CPR Part 35-compliant expert report is delivered within the agreed timeframe. Supplementary Part 35 questions and joint expert meetings are accommodated.

What is the difference between a Forensic Medical Examiner and a standard medical expert?

A Forensic Medical Examiner holds specific training in clinical forensic medicine, including examination techniques used in criminal investigations, injury documentation for legal proceedings, and assessment of individuals in custody. Standard medical experts provide opinion on clinical matters; FMEs are trained specifically for the criminal justice context and the demands of court evidence.

What is the FFLM and what does MFFLM mean?

The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine (FFLM) is a specialist faculty of the Royal College of Physicians that sets professional standards for forensic and legal medicine in the UK. MFFLM denotes full membership, confirming that Prof. Hindocha has met the Faculty’s rigorous standards for training, competence and continuing professional development in forensic medicine.

Can Prof. Hindocha act for both prosecution and defence?

Yes. Prof. Hindocha accepts instructions from prosecution, defence and as Single Joint Expert. His overriding duty is to the court, and all reports are prepared to provide independent, impartial opinion regardless of the instructing party.

What is involved in a CICA forensic medical report?

A CICA report involves a full forensic medical examination to document and assess injuries sustained as a victim of violent crime. Prof. Hindocha provides opinion on the nature, severity and prognosis of injuries, including scarring, psychological impact and functional limitations, in the format required by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Are reports compliant with CPR Part 35?

All expert reports produced by Prof. Hindocha are prepared in accordance with CPR Part 35 and the accompanying Practice Direction. He provides supplementary responses to Part 35 questions and attends joint expert meetings and conferences with counsel where required.