Use of DNA technique suspended after Omagh verdict
UK Police have suspended the testing of “low copy DNA” following the acquittal of Omagh bomb suspect Sean Hoey, it was revealed tonight.
The Association of Chief Police (Acpo) officers said that forces were already operating an “interim suspension” of the cutting-edge technique.
The move comes as an urgent review gets under way into forthcoming court cases involving the testing technique following the Omagh bomb trial acquittal.
The Crown Prosecution Service in England and Wales said it was reviewing a number of cases where the Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA testing was involved.
A similar review was being made in the North at the request of Chief Constable Hugh Orde.
The relatively new testing system – which enables the analysis of a small number of cells – was used on the timers for bombs used in Real IRA attacks and allegedly linked them to Omagh accused Sean Hoey.
However, the judge in the Hoey case decided it was not as yet at a sufficiently scientific level to be considered evidence.
Orde said: “I have asked for an urgent review of all cases that rely in any way, shape or form on LCN DNA.”
Despite its rejection by Mr Justice Weir when he acquitted Hoey of all charges relating to the Omagh bombing and more than two dozen other terrorist charges, Hugh said: “It is a vital ingredient of cases in the future which will bring very guilty people to justice.”
Tony Lake, Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police and Acpo lead on forensics, said: “We shall study the terms of the Omagh judgment carefully, consider the implications and determine whether action needs to be taken.
“In England and Wales DNA evidence has to be corroborated by other evidence. However, as a precautionary measure the Crown Prosecution Service are currently reviewing the pending cases in which Low Copy DNA profiling is to form part of the prosecution case to see whether any may be affected.
“The review will take into account the terms of the judgment and the weight that is to be attached to the DNA evidence.
“Whilst this is being considered the police are operating an interim suspension of the use of (LCN) DNA testing service offered by the Forensic Science Service for future investigations.”
