HOEY DEFENCE SCATHING OF LOW COPY DNA REVIEW
Hoey defence scathing of Low Copy DNA review
THE legal team who represented Sean Hoey, who was acquitted of the Omagh bombing, has questioned the credibility of Low Copy Number DNA (LCN DNA) evidence after a Home Office review group announced that it is safe and reliable. Clearing the south Armagh man of the 29 murders caused by the explosion in Omagh on August 15, 1998, trial judge Mr Justice Weir was highly critical of LCN DNA and raised questions over the validity of the highly sensitive testing procedure, stating that he was "not in the least satisfied with it." Following Mr Justice Weir's remarks, the Home Office ordered a review of all LCN DNA cases. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in the North subsequently withdrew charges in four separate trials which had been due to rely on the discredited LCN DNA evidence. However on Friday the Home Office review group concluded that LCN DNA was 'safe and fit for purpose.'
Professor Brian Caddy who chaired the review said, '"I am 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."
Following the publication of the review the PSNI announced that it would now return to using LCN DNA evidence. However defence solicitors have vowed to challenge the Home Office group's conclusions. Peter Corrigan of Kevin R Winters Solicitors, who represented Sean Hoey in the Omagh trial, cautioned that serious doubts remained over the credibility of LCN DNA. He criticised the Home Office review group for failing to seek the views of key international scientists, including those who exposed its lack of credibility during the Omagh trial.
Mr Corrigan said, "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. We firmly believe that this review is nothing more than an attempt to repackage flawed forensic evidence."
THE legal team who represented Sean Hoey, who was acquitted of the Omagh bombing, has questioned the credibility of Low Copy Number DNA (LCN DNA) evidence after a Home Office review group announced that it is safe and reliable. Clearing the south Armagh man of the 29 murders caused by the explosion in Omagh on August 15, 1998, trial judge Mr Justice Weir was highly critical of LCN DNA and raised questions over the validity of the highly sensitive testing procedure, stating that he was "not in the least satisfied with it." Following Mr Justice Weir's remarks, the Home Office ordered a review of all LCN DNA cases. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in the North subsequently withdrew charges in four separate trials which had been due to rely on the discredited LCN DNA evidence. However on Friday the Home Office review group concluded that LCN DNA was 'safe and fit for purpose.'
Professor Brian Caddy who chaired the review said, '"I am 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."
Following the publication of the review the PSNI announced that it would now return to using LCN DNA evidence. However defence solicitors have vowed to challenge the Home Office group's conclusions. Peter Corrigan of Kevin R Winters Solicitors, who represented Sean Hoey in the Omagh trial, cautioned that serious doubts remained over the credibility of LCN DNA. He criticised the Home Office review group for failing to seek the views of key international scientists, including those who exposed its lack of credibility during the Omagh trial.
Mr Corrigan said, "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. We firmly believe that this review is nothing more than an attempt to repackage flawed forensic evidence."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE HERALD
Ref: TYH/074
Published Date: 14-Apr-08
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