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Approval for low copy DNA testing Approval for low copy DNA testing
(about 2 hours later)
The controversial forensic technique criticised during the Omagh bomb trial has been given government approval for use as evidence in court.The controversial forensic technique criticised during the Omagh bomb trial has been given government approval for use as evidence in court.
A review undertaken on behalf of the Home Office has said low copy number DNA testing is scientifically valid and reliable.A review undertaken on behalf of the Home Office has said low copy number DNA testing is scientifically valid and reliable.
However, it adds that strict precautions must be taken.However, it adds that strict precautions must be taken.
Low copy number DNA testing can analyse samples 1,000 times smaller than a grain of salt.Low copy number DNA testing can analyse samples 1,000 times smaller than a grain of salt.
But the judge in the Omagh trial was not impressed. But, the judge in the Omagh trial was not impressed.
When Mr Justice Weir acquitted Sean Hoey of 58 charges, including the Omagh bombing, in December, he was strongly critical of the way items subjected to DNA testing had been collected and stored. He also questioned the validity of the highly sensitive technique used. When Mr Justice Weir acquitted Sean Hoey of 58 charges, including the Omagh bombing, in December, he was strongly critical of the way items subjected to DNA testing had been collected and stored.
He also questioned the validity of the highly sensitive technique used.
Four court cases in Northern Ireland have collapsed since then when charges were withdrawn because low copy number DNA was a key part of the prosecution evidence.Four court cases in Northern Ireland have collapsed since then when charges were withdrawn because low copy number DNA was a key part of the prosecution evidence.
Andrew Rennison, the Forensic Science Regulator, said the science was safe.
"I'm satisfied the science is safe and fit for purpose, but there is work to be done around collection and interpretation," he said.
However, Professor Allan Jamieson, who was a DNA expert who gave evidence for the defence during Sean Hoey's trial, said any results from a low DNA test must still be treated with caution.
"When you mix two people's DNA together, it is like mixing coins in a pocket together," he said.
"They end up on the table and you have to say which coins came from which person.
"You simply cannot do that and that is one of the problems of interpreting mixture, not only in this copy technique, but in the standard technique."
Professor Brian Caddy, who was chairman of the review group, said: "I'm absolutely certain that there's no problem in putting this before the court.Professor Brian Caddy, who was chairman of the review group, said: "I'm absolutely certain that there's no problem in putting this before the court.
"I'm 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.""I'm 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."
But the report says training is needed for police officers gathering evidence to ensure that items being tested are not contaminated. But, the report says training is needed for police officers gathering evidence to ensure that items being tested are not contaminated.