Expert Spotlight: Philip Boyce. The Firearms Expert Behind the Evidence in Goldfinger

When The Essex Murders: Who Killed Goldfinger series aired, viewers were pulled into an extraordinary investigation that hinged on one critical question: what really happened at the scene of a fatal shooting?

At the centre of that forensic puzzle was one of Foresight’s own, Philip Boyce, world-leading expert in firearms, ballistics and gunshot residue (GSR). His expert analysis didn’t just support the programme’s investigative narrative; it demonstrated why, in real-world criminal justice, independent scientific evidence is indispensable.

A Career Built on Unrivalled Firearms Expertise

Philip’s career spans more than four decades across the UK and internationally. With a BSc in Chemistry/Biology and an MSc in Forensic Science, he began his forensic path inside the Territorial Army, gaining hands-on weapons knowledge long before most scientists see their first firearm case.

From there, his expertise deepened over 18 years with Forensic Science Northern Ireland, during which he worked through the height of the Troubles. This experience gave him unmatched exposure to firearms investigations, complex GSR interpretation, and scene reconstruction under the highest levels of scrutiny.

Since then, Philip has:

• Led firearms laboratories for major forensic organisations
• Provided thousands of expert reports
• Given evidence in courts at every level, from Juvenile to the Court of Appeal
• Delivered specialist training to ACPO, SOCOs, military investigators, pathologists, and international forensic bodies
• Served as a ballistic advisor for UNDP and UNLIREC, supporting crime reduction across the Caribbean, Balkans and beyond

His résumé is the kind that only decades at the cutting edge of forensic science can produce, and that made him the ideal expert for the Goldfinger investigation.

Inside Goldfinger: What Philip Brought to the Case

The production’s investigative team required more than a hypothesis and a storyline. They needed scientific certainty: trajectory analysis, tool mark evaluation, ammunition interpretation, and GSR expertise.

Philip’s contribution was exactly that. He dissected evidence methodically, applying the same standards he uses in criminal cases involving:

• Disputed shootings
• Suspected accidental discharges
• Weapon handling and proximity
• Ballistics matching
• Cold case reviews
• Gunshot residue interpretation

For viewers, his presence added clarity. For the real-world justice system, this level of scrutiny is not entertainment; it’s foundational.

Working on the World Stage

Philip’s work extends far beyond TV appearances. He has contributed to some of the most complex and controversial cases globally, including:

• The high-profile David Bain appeal in New Zealand, which overturned murder convictions
• Investigations with New Scotland Yard, PSNI, the National Crime Agency and the Royal Military Police
• Cold case reviews, international ballistic intelligence development, and specialist weapons investigations

This breadth of experience means that when Philip examines a firearm, a residue pattern, or a bullet strike, he brings lessons from thousands of cases with him.

Why Philip’s Role Matters and Why Foresight Works With Experts Like Him

Firearms evidence is incredibly technical, highly scrutinised, and often decisive. Courts rely on experts who can:

• Analyse scenes with precision
• Communicate findings clearly
• Stand up to rigorous cross-examination
• Bridge the gap between science and legal argument

Philip Boyce represents that standard and is one of the many reasons solicitors and barristers turn to Foresight when the stakes are at their highest.

A Spotlight Worth Sharing

As the Goldfinger series shows, understanding the true story behind a shooting requires more than speculation; it requires science, experience and independence.

We’re proud that experts like Philip choose to work with Foresight and proud to support the legal teams who depend on his expertise.