Burglar appeals conviction on grounds that DNA sample should have been destroyed after 12 months

A man imprisoned for aggravated burglary at Ballymahon, County Longford has appealed his conviction in the Court of Appeal on constitutional grounds. The appellant contends that retention of his DNA sample beyond twelve months before he was charged constituted a breach of his right to privacy. A forensic swab was taken from him in November 2011 following his arrest, but he was not charged until January 2013. His…