Mark Nash murder trial hears jacket which allegedly lead to breakthrough retrieved from accused's home

At the Central Criminal Court, a Garda Chief Superintendent gave evidence regarding the retrieval of clothing from the Dublin home of Mark Nash, aged 42, who stands accused of murdering two women in Grangegorman sheltered accommodation in March 1997. Chief Superintendent Dominic Hayes testified that he obtained a black pin-striped velvet jacket and boots from a flat on Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3, following a statement from a witness in August 1997. The prosecution maintains that DNA evidence subsequently recovered from the jacket provided a breakthrough in the case. Nash has pleaded not guilty to the murders of Sylvia Shields, aged 60, and Mary Callanan, aged 61. During cross-examination, defence counsel challenged the seizure of the boots and questioned investigative focus on another suspect. Retired detective exhibits officers confirmed the secure storage and handling of seized items. The trial proceedings continued.