Court to make appeal decision in Dando case
A decision will be announced today on whether to refer the case of the man convicted of killing Jill Dando to the Court of Appeal.
The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday that the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has decided to refer Barry George’s case for a second appeal.
A CCRC spokesman confirmed that the decision would be announced today but would not comment further.
The newspaper said the CCRC decided to refer the case on the grounds that a tiny speck of firearms discharge residue was given “too much importance and significance” before the jury.
George was sentenced to life in July 2001 after being found guilty by a majority of 10 to one of shooting the 37-year-old BBC News, Crimewatch and Holiday presenter on the steps of her home in Fulham, south west London, in April 1999.
He lost an appeal in July 2002.
The Telegraph report said George’s lawyers were expected to argue that a new investigation by police in Strathclyde has undermined the evidential value of residue found on the lining of an inner pocket of George’s overcoat.
But the Crown is expected to argue that the essential fact that it was firearms discharge residue has not been challenged and it was consistent with residue found on Miss Dando’s hair and clothing.
The arguments at appeal are likely to centre on expert witness testimony about the interpretation of the residue evidence, the newspaper said.
