Courts / Dublin / Report
Jacket button produced negative DNA result when examined in 1998, Mark Nash trial hears
Summary
In a 2015 murder trial, forensic scientist Matthew Greenhalgh testified that a button from Mark Nash's black pin‑striped velvet jacket yielded a negative DNA result when tested in 1998. Nash, 42, is charged with the 1997 murders of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61). The jacket was worn by Nash on the night of the killings. Greenhalgh explained that the DNA test used was Short Tandem Repeat (STR), now superseded, and that the first button was swabbed but produced no DNA profile, so the other buttons and threads were not examined. He noted the items had been removed from their sealed bags, and that the negative result was returned sealed. The testimony was cross‑examined by Hugh Hartnett SC, who questioned the handling of the items. The trial continues. Mark Nash pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jacket button produced negative DNA result when examined in 1998, Mark Nash trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) between March 6 and March 7, 1997. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 7, 1997 Hearing Or Sentence
- Thursday March 6, 1997 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 18, 1998 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 1999 Other
- March 6 1997 Incident
- 2015-03-06 Publication
Why: Mr Greenhalgh told the court how the first button was swabbed by his colleague who tried to extract DNA from it but because it produced a negative result, a DNA profile was not achieved. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) between March 6 and March 7, 1997 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Prussia Street
- Clonliffe Road
- O'Connell Street
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.