A man accused of being a bogus forensic science expert has admitted lying to police about his qualifications.
Mr Morrison worked as an expert forensic psychologist in court cases
Gene Morrison, 48, told officers he had begun an Open University (OU) degree in forensic or social psychology, Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
But he admitted he only phoned them for a brochure and tape-recorded OU programmes from BBC Two in the 1970s.
Mr Morrison, of Hyde, Cheshire, denies posing as a forensic psychologist without proper qualifications.
He is accused of appearing in court giving expert advice for payment from solicitors.
Morrison is charged with nine counts of obtaining money by deception, three of attempting to obtain property by deception, eight of perverting the course of justice and three of perjury between 2002 and 2005.
At the Manchester court hearing on Wednesday he admitted telling "untruths" in police interviews.
He insisted he had "started"' a degree - because he had telephoned the OU for a brochure.
"In a sense this would be correct but it would not be wholly correct," Morrison said. "I had the material from them. I had recorded some things from BBC Two.
"There was a lot of academic programmes on the TV. They are very old tapes."
Morrison was then awarded a BSc in forensic science, an MA with excellence in forensic investigation and a PhD in criminology from the online Rochville University.
But the jury heard the qualifications gained were obtained by accessing a website from which users could allegedly choose their grades for a fee.
Hired for evidence
Morrison set up a firm, Criminal and Forensic Investigations Bureau, CFIB, which was hired by legal firms, insurance companies and private businesses to give evidence in court.
He then "re-packaged" the resulting reports, presenting the work as his own, and claiming fees, it is alleged.
Morrison, of Martin Street, Hyde, also told police he had worked as a forensic investigator in the US for five years.
He was asked by Neil Flewitt QC prosecuting, if it was a lie. Morrison said, "There is a half truth because my training has been with individuals who have worked with Americans.
"I would rather use the word untruth."
He has already pleaded guilty to a single count of attempting to pervert the course of justice and one of perjury. The trial continues.