DNA of murder accused found on victim's clothes, court told
A murder trial has heard that the DNA of a Dublin man accused of murdering a 35-year-old was discovered on the clothing of the deceased.
Forensic scientist Dr Diane Daly gave evidence today to the Central Criminal Court based on the examination of a body with more than 100 stab wounds.
Criostoir MacCarthaigh (aged 36) of An Gleann, Baile Phamar (Palmerstown), has pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Whyte between September 24 and 26, 2008.
Dr Daly told the court that an examination had revealed DNA matching that of Criostoir MacCarthaigh on the jeans worn by Mr Whyte the night he was murdered in the ruins of an old church.
“I obtained a mixed DNA profile of two contributors,” she explained.
“All of the DNA elements present on the waistband of the jeans are present in the profile of Criostoir MacCarthaigh.”
Detective Superintendent Peter O’Boyle then confirmed details of the interview that took place between gardaí and Criostoir MacCarthaigh following his arrest.
Supt O’Boyle confirmed that during the course of detention, Criostoir MacCarthaigh had asked for his interview to be carried out through the medium of Irish. A garda translator was then arranged to translate answers given by the accused.
It was confirmed to the court that when asked for an account of why his DNA had been present on the waistband of David Whyte, Mr MacCarthaigh replied that he did not know.
“I’m not a doctor or scientist so I don’t know,” Mr MacCarthaigh was quoted to have said.
When further questioned on his presence at Mill Lane in September 2008 he said that he could not remember.
Following interview, it was confirmed that Mr McCarthaigh refused to provide a signature when requested to do so by gardaí.
The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of five women and seven men.
