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Mark Nash trial jury hear of procedures at forensic lab
Summary
In a 2015 murder trial, forensic scientist Dr. Linda Williams testified that a 2013 contamination incident at Forensic Science Ireland prompted a change in procedure: the outside of exhibit bags began to be wiped down. Williams explained that DNA profiles matching Sylvia Shields and Mary Callanan were derived from threads on the accused Mark Nash's jacket and a small particle in a seam of a black velvet jacket, respectively. She could not specify the exact source of the DNA or the particle. The court heard that in 2013, two unrelated cases were processed on the same surface, leading to contamination. Dr. Geraldine O'Donnell, former quality manager and now Director of DNA, described the lab's quality system, the introduction of bench logs in 2011, and the formal logging of contamination events, noting 14 in 2011, 22 in 2012, and 31 in 2013. The prosecution's case was concluded, and the judge postponed the jury's return to Tuesday. Mark Nash pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mark Nash trial jury hear of procedures at forensic 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
- February 2003 Other
- November 2013 Incident
- 2015-03-20 Publication
Why: "Just because you don't have bench logs, doesn't mean you can't track a case," said Dr O'Donnell. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
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
- Central Criminal Court
- St Brendan's Hospital
Topics
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