So, if I can't retrieve deleted emails.... How do...

[JoyceDivision]

The police manage to check people's laptops etc and gather their electronic history?

I could kick myself for not saving emails from about 3 years ago and really need to get my hands on them (Gmail) . Should I dob myself in for a crime to get the police to investigate me and help retrieve them??

Did you delete from your deleted folder aswell?

Yup, auto delete after 90 days. I know I sent at least 1 email to someone re a specific issue and I really need to locate it as proof about something that has cropped up. Recipient has confirmed they have deleted it.

You may find your sent box archives further back and shows any incoming text you replied to.

Things that are on the hard drive are easier than emails, as the hard drive is local. It might be possible for Gmail to retrieve deleted emails but they'd probably require a high level of police involvement to even try.

I'd second checking your sent items, that can go back a lot further than you'd think.

Have you checked your sent folder? My sent emails don't auto delete and are all there.