This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-24462318

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Michael Bennison trial stopped over 'lost' DNA evidence Michael Bennison trial stopped over 'lost' DNA evidence
(about 20 hours later)
The trial of a man for the attempted murder of a woman in York has been abandoned after DNA evidence was lost.The trial of a man for the attempted murder of a woman in York has been abandoned after DNA evidence was lost.
Michael Bennison, 28, was charged after a 27-year-old woman was stabbed on Healey Grove, Huntington last December.Michael Bennison, 28, was charged after a 27-year-old woman was stabbed on Healey Grove, Huntington last December.
However, the Crown Prosecution Service said DNA evidence collected from a knife was "not available" when needed at Newcastle Crown Court.However, the Crown Prosecution Service said DNA evidence collected from a knife was "not available" when needed at Newcastle Crown Court.
As a result, prosecutors accepted a guilty plea from Bennison to a charge of unlawful wounding.As a result, prosecutors accepted a guilty plea from Bennison to a charge of unlawful wounding.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the force was "aware of the matter which came to light during the proceedings".
He added that it "would be inappropriate to comment further until all the facts have been considered".
In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service said it had "fully expected to have the forensic analysis of the knife on Wednesday so we would be able to pursue the charge of attempted murder".In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service said it had "fully expected to have the forensic analysis of the knife on Wednesday so we would be able to pursue the charge of attempted murder".
"Of course, we are disappointed to find that evidence is not available. "Of course, we are disappointed to find that evidence is not available," it said.
"On this basis, we accepted a guilty plea of unlawful wounding.""On this basis, we accepted a guilty plea of unlawful wounding."
Bennison was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 31 October.Bennison was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 31 October.
North Yorkshire Police said they were confident the "full detail" of the DNA issue could be made public at the time of sentencing.
Det Ch Supt Simon Mason said the case "had a number of complexities which were all taken into account by the prosecution team when accepting a plea of guilty for what was a very serious assault" rather than subjecting the victim to the "emotional stress and anxiety of giving evidence".
He praised her courage and said without it Bennison would have been free to reoffend.