Beginner’s pluck: Former Garda forensic expert John Sweetman

'Identity' provides a fascinating look into an unusual branch of law

In John Sweetman’s 25 years as a fingerprint, then a handwriting expert, he encountered many grisly and complex cases.

John has always been keen on art.

“I applied for the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), but I hadn’t a portfolio.”

In order to acquire one he did a private course in art, but before he finished it he was offered a job in animation with Murakami Wolf.

“I was 18 and had a full-time job. I loved it and would have stayed there but the bubble burst and I was let go.”

He worked on his dad’s farm for two years, and then, in 1993, he joined the gardaí.

“I was an unlikely guard,” he says. 

I hated the uniform and the rules and regulations, but I was lucky.

“An opportunity came in the technical bureau fingerprinting department, and then handwriting, and that spoke to the artistic side of me. I have a good eye for detail.”

Retiring early, in September 2023, John thought back over his career, and wanted to document his time.

“I wanted to explain how things work and document my journey within the guards.”

He gained a contract with publishers Hachette and got to work.

“It came naturally. I wrote the bones of it in around three months.”

Who is John Sweetman?

Date/ place of birth: 1972/ Skerries, Co Dublin.

Education: Holy Faith De La Salle, Skerries.

Home: Skerries.

Family: Wife Orlagh, Orin, 23, and Aleisha, 18.

The day job: “A writer. But I’m mostly a taxi driver for the kids.”

In another life: “I’m a huge movie fan. I’d have been a screenwriter or a director.”

Favourite writers: Stephen King; James Lee Burke; Michael Connelly.

Next book: “I’m 25,000 words into a crime fiction novel, based on the field I worked in.”

Top tip: “Start off by writing what you know. And realise that there is help available from your editor. It’s not as daunting as you think.”

Instagram: @revlock

The debut

Identity: Murder, Fraud, and the Making of a Garda Forensic Expert

Hachette Books Ireland, €18.99/ Kindle, €3.97

In John’s 25 years as a fingerprint, then a handwriting expert, he encountered many grisly and complex cases. 

During this time, feeling a misfit, he experienced stress, and ongoing episodes of depression.

The verdict: A fascinating look into an unusual branch of law.