Courts / Dublin / Report

Glove-tip evidence sufficient to convict for "horrendous" aggravated burglary

Date
2019-10-22
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A 25‑year‑old man, Adam Marlowe, was convicted of aggravated burglary, robbery of €50 and assault on an 81‑year‑old farmer in north Co Dublin. The conviction was based on DNA evidence recovered from a small piece of blue latex material found in the victim's bedroom, described as a fingertip of a latex glove. The DNA matched Marlowe's profile 93%, with the remaining 7% from two unknown persons. No gloves were found in the house and there was no evidence the perpetrators wore gloves. Marlowe appealed, arguing the trial judge failed to direct the jury to acquit and misdirected the weight of forensic evidence. The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction, stating the evidence was sufficient to link Marlowe to the crime. He was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment, with a suspended portion of a previous sentence for violent disorder. The victim suffered bruising, a deep cut requiring stitches, and reported lasting trauma. Adam Marlowe pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Glove-tip evidence sufficient to convict for "horrendous" aggravated burglary. Charges or matters: aggravated burglary, robbery of €50 and assaulting Malachy Turley causing him harm at his home in rural north Co Dublin, on July 29, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

Case subjects

Adam Marlowe

Convicted Person

Charges: aggravated burglary, robbery of €50 and assaulting Malachy Turley causing him harm at his home in rural north Co Dublin, on July 29, 2016 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; He was on bail for two district court offences and was also serving the suspended portion of a sentence imposed for violent disorder, at the time of the burglary.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
  • Court of Appeal

Topics

Burglary Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

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