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Murder accused asks scientist if she retest DNA evidence for "mistake"
Summary
During the fourth week of his trial at the Central Criminal Court, Vesel Jahiri, aged 35, cross‑examined Dr Hilary Clarke of Forensic Science Ireland. Jahiri sought to have the black‑handled kitchen knife he had handed to Cabra Garda Station on the night after the alleged attack on Anna Finnegan re‑tested for DNA in his presence, claiming a possible mistake. Dr Clarke had previously testified that DNA matching Anna Finnegan's profile was found on the knife's tip and edge, with a probability of less than one in a thousand million that it came from anyone else. Jahiri questioned whether the knife was involved in a fight with Karl Finnegan and whether other knives existed at Allendale Glen. The judge terminated the cross‑examination, and the trial continues before Mr Justice Coffey and a jury of nine men and two women. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused asks scientist if she retest DNA evidence for "mistake". Charges or matters: murdering Anna Finnegan (25) at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on September 21, 2012; assaulting Karl Finnegan, causing him harm, at the same place on the same date. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 21, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 24 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 23 Other
- 2017-03-24 Publication
Why: Credit: Collins) A murder accused today asked a forensic scientist if she could retest knives for DNA evidence in his presence in order to see if she "made a mistake", during a cross-examination that was later terminated by the trial judge. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Anna Finnegan (25) at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on September 21, 2012; assaulting Karl Finnegan, causing him harm, at the same place on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- presented himself at Cabra Garda Station
- had brought to Cabra Garda Station
- handed in to Cabra Garda Station
Topics
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