HOEY DEFENCE REJECTS DNA REVIEW
Hoey defence rejects DNA review
By Barry McCaffrey
DOUBTS over the credibility of a controversial forensic test system continued last night despite a Home Office review group's conclusion that its procedures were safe and reliable.
Low Copy Number DNA (LCN DNA) came under severe scrutiny during the failed Omagh bomb trial last December when south Armagh electrician Sean Hoey was cleared of all charges.
Acquitting Hoey, trial judge Mr Justice Weir was highly critical of LCN DNA and raised serious questions over the validity of the highly sensitive testing procedure, stating that he was "not in the least satisfied" with it.
"Accordingly I find that the DNA evidence, the third and final strand remaining in the prosecution case, cannot satisfy me either beyond a reasonable doubt or to any acceptable standard."
Following Mr Hoey's acquittal, the Home Office ordered a review of all LCN DNA cases.
In Northern Ireland, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) withdrew charges in four separate trials which had been due to rely on LCN DNA evidence.
However, the Home Office review group yesterday concluded that LCN DNA was "safe and fit for purpose".
"I'm absolutely certain that there's no problem in putting this before the court," Professor Brian Caddy, who chaired the review into LCN DNA, said.
"I'm sure defence scientists, when they look at the data, will be able to see they are very competent people who do it and the science is sound."
Criminal justice minister Paul Goggins welcomed the group's conclusion that LCN DNA could be used as credible evidence.
"It concludes that the science behind the technique is sound and robust, and confirms that the technique is appropriately validated," he said.
Later the PSNI announced that it would now return to using LCN DNA as evidence.
However, defence solicitors last night questioned the Home Office group's conclusions and warned that they would be challenged in court.
Peter Corrigan of Kevin R Winters Solicitors, who represented Sean Hoey in the Omagh trial, warned that serious doubts remained over the credibility of LCN DNA.
"Last year a symposium of the world's leading DNA experts met in the Azores and their unanimous conclusion was that LCN DNA should not be relied upon as credible evidence," he said.
The Home Office review group was criticised for its failure to seek the views of key international scientists, including those who exposed its lack of credibility during the Omagh trial.
"We firmly believe that this review is nothing more than an attempt to repackage flawed forensic evidence."
By Barry McCaffrey
DOUBTS over the credibility of a controversial forensic test system continued last night despite a Home Office review group's conclusion that its procedures were safe and reliable.
Low Copy Number DNA (LCN DNA) came under severe scrutiny during the failed Omagh bomb trial last December when south Armagh electrician Sean Hoey was cleared of all charges.
Acquitting Hoey, trial judge Mr Justice Weir was highly critical of LCN DNA and raised serious questions over the validity of the highly sensitive testing procedure, stating that he was "not in the least satisfied" with it.
"Accordingly I find that the DNA evidence, the third and final strand remaining in the prosecution case, cannot satisfy me either beyond a reasonable doubt or to any acceptable standard."
Following Mr Hoey's acquittal, the Home Office ordered a review of all LCN DNA cases.
In Northern Ireland, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) withdrew charges in four separate trials which had been due to rely on LCN DNA evidence.
However, the Home Office review group yesterday concluded that LCN DNA was "safe and fit for purpose".
"I'm absolutely certain that there's no problem in putting this before the court," Professor Brian Caddy, who chaired the review into LCN DNA, said.
"I'm sure defence scientists, when they look at the data, will be able to see they are very competent people who do it and the science is sound."
Criminal justice minister Paul Goggins welcomed the group's conclusion that LCN DNA could be used as credible evidence.
"It concludes that the science behind the technique is sound and robust, and confirms that the technique is appropriately validated," he said.
Later the PSNI announced that it would now return to using LCN DNA as evidence.
However, defence solicitors last night questioned the Home Office group's conclusions and warned that they would be challenged in court.
Peter Corrigan of Kevin R Winters Solicitors, who represented Sean Hoey in the Omagh trial, warned that serious doubts remained over the credibility of LCN DNA.
"Last year a symposium of the world's leading DNA experts met in the Azores and their unanimous conclusion was that LCN DNA should not be relied upon as credible evidence," he said.
The Home Office review group was criticised for its failure to seek the views of key international scientists, including those who exposed its lack of credibility during the Omagh trial.
"We firmly believe that this review is nothing more than an attempt to repackage flawed forensic evidence."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0918
Published Date: 12-Apr-08
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.