Courts / Dublin / Report

Businessman fails to overturn assault conviction over evidence from DNA testing machine

Date
2023-11-27

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a 2023 appeal, Gezim Idrizi, a 38‑year‑old security provider, failed to overturn a February 2023 conviction for assault causing harm. The appeal argued that the jury had no evidence about the DNA‑extraction machine used at the scene. The court held that the DNA evidence, extracted by a liquid‑handling unit and analysed by Ms Sarah Fleming of Forensic Science Ireland, was admissible and accurate. The judge noted that the machine was merely a physical aid and that Ms Fleming personally analysed the DNA. The appeal was dismissed. Idrizi had been sentenced to three years and nine months' imprisonment, with the final six months suspended for two years. The case involved a serious assault at a GZ Security office in Dublin 11, where the victim was bound, struck, and left for a hospital. The trial concluded that the assault was prolonged and involved multiple assailants. Gezim Idrizi pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Businessman fails to overturn assault conviction over evidence from DNA testing machine. Charges or matters: both charges. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Acquitted

When:

February 1, 2016 Incident
2023-11-27 Publication

Why: The defence had argued that DNA evidence taken from the scene should not have been put before the jury because the evidence "was arrived at by robots or other such devices that the defence was never made aware of prior to the trial", said Mr Justice McCarthy. Defence account reported by CNI