Courts / Dublin / Report

Lab contaminated forensic samples, firearms trial hears

Date
2020-05-26

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Paul Norton, 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition found at Stardust Memorial Park on 5 October 2019. The State's case relied on recognition evidence, as no DNA was recovered. The prosecution alleged that during a high‑speed chase, Norton dropped a bag containing a 9mm Beretta 92 with a single round in the chamber, a full magazine of 15 rounds, and an additional 15 rounds. Defence counsel Michael Bowman questioned the forensic evidence, noting that forensic samples from the bags were contaminated and that DNA from a forensic scientist was found. He also highlighted that DNA from two other men, BD and EN, was identified on the Passat and a bottle of Corona beer, respectively.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lab contaminated forensic samples, firearms trial hears. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 5th, 2019 Incident
2020-05-26 Publication

Case subjects

Paul Norton

Defendant

Charges: the unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty