Mr Aaron Gaskell

General Specialties:

Computing & Computers

Specialty Focus:

analysis of digital evidence, information technology, Cryptocurrency Tracing, Digital Forensics, Cyber Security

Education:

Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science) – Macquarie University (in progress), Master of Research (Artificial Intelligence) (High Distinction) – Macquarie University (2024–2025), Master of Cyber Security (Distinction) – Charles Sturt University (2020–2023), Graduate Certificate (Cyber Security / Policing, Intelligence & Counter Terrorism) – Macquarie University, Bachelor of Policing – Charles Sturt University, Associate Degree of Policing Practice – Charles Sturt University, Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration) – TAFE, CISSP; CISM; TRM-ACI; TRM-DFC; ITIL; CCNA; ACS Certified Technologist (MA CS CT); NSW Justice of the Peace

Years in Practice:

16

I am a former NSW Police Force Sergeant with 16 years’ operational and specialist experience spanning frontline policing, Traffic & Highway Patrol supervision, and senior leadership within specialist cyber/digital capability environments. My work has involved the identification, preservation and presentation of evidence, preparation of statements and operational documentation, and supporting investigations from initial response through charge, brief completion, and court outcomes.

My specialist technical experience includes cyber security and cyber-enabled offending, digital evidence handling, electronic surveillance/technical operations governance, and cryptocurrency/blockchain tracing methodologies (as applied in investigative contexts). I have led multi-disciplinary teams (investigators and technical specialists), overseen sensitive technical activities under strict compliance requirements, and maintained high evidentiary and documentation standards appropriate for proceedings where technical precision and defensibility are critical.

I have extensive experience giving sworn evidence in criminal matters as a prosecution witness, including matters involving technical/operational policing evidence and the handling of evidentiary material. I have appeared in Court hundreds of times, have been cross-examined, and am familiar with the requirements for impartial, clear and defensible evidence.

In addition, I have substantial experience preparing, reviewing and quality-assuring briefs of evidence and supporting material to prosecution standard, including ensuring accuracy, completeness, exhibit management, continuity/chain-of-custody, and compliance with disclosure and procedural requirements. This has required translating complex factual and technical information into plain language suitable for judicial officers, legal practitioners, and juries, and identifying and addressing evidentiary risk prior to service.