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Trial hears that jacket belonging to Mark Nash and blood-stained clothing from Grangegorman scene examined in same room at lab

Summary

During the murder trial of Mark Nash, the jury heard that a black pin‑striped velvet jacket belonging to Nash and heavily blood‑stained clothing and bedding found at the Grangegorman scene were examined in the same laboratory room six weeks apart. Nash, aged 42, pleaded not guilty to the murders of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) committed between 6 and 7 March 1997. Dr Louise McKenna, a forensic biologist, explained that the jacket was worn by Nash on the night of 6 March while attending a charity quiz at the GPO. DNA from the two victims was later found on the jacket. McKenna described the lab protocols, noting that the jacket and the bedding were not always sealed in bags and that the risk of contamination was considered low due to the time gap. She also stated that the items were stored separately and that the laboratory had been cleaned before each examination.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Trial hears that jacket belonging to Mark Nash and blood-stained clothing from Grangegorman scene examined in same room at lab. 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
• July 1997 Other
• 2015-03-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report