RELIABILITY OF DNA IN OMAGH BOMB CASE NOW IN DOUBT
RELIABILITY OF DNA IN OMAGH BOMB CASE NOW IN DOUBT
DNA evidence given in the trial of Omagh bomb accused, Sean Hoey, could be in doubt following a move in which some of Britain's most senior police officers raised concerns about the forensic tests presented as evidence during his trial.
The trial was beset by many difficulties which included officers conceding that evidence hadn't been kept in proper conditions and that statements were beefed up.
Hundreds of cases in Britain in which in particular low copy number DNA tests were used are also being reviewed.
The Association of Chief Police Officers has written to all of the chief constables in England and Wales warning them that such DNA evidence may now have to be re-examined after a number of inaccurate results were disclosed.
DNA tests in the Hoey case were carried out by the Forensic Sciences Dervice. His solicitor said he was shocked and horrified not to have been informed about potential unreliability of the tests.
Hoey was charged with causing 29 deaths in the Omagh bombing along with a series of other alleged incidences.
The defence solicitor said that Hoey had always denied that his DNA could have been found on any of the devices. The Public Prosecution Service has declined to comment.
DNA evidence given in the trial of Omagh bomb accused, Sean Hoey, could be in doubt following a move in which some of Britain's most senior police officers raised concerns about the forensic tests presented as evidence during his trial.
The trial was beset by many difficulties which included officers conceding that evidence hadn't been kept in proper conditions and that statements were beefed up.
Hundreds of cases in Britain in which in particular low copy number DNA tests were used are also being reviewed.
The Association of Chief Police Officers has written to all of the chief constables in England and Wales warning them that such DNA evidence may now have to be re-examined after a number of inaccurate results were disclosed.
DNA tests in the Hoey case were carried out by the Forensic Sciences Dervice. His solicitor said he was shocked and horrified not to have been informed about potential unreliability of the tests.
Hoey was charged with causing 29 deaths in the Omagh bombing along with a series of other alleged incidences.
The defence solicitor said that Hoey had always denied that his DNA could have been found on any of the devices. The Public Prosecution Service has declined to comment.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE HERALD
Ref: TYH/052
Published Date: 26-Feb-07
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.