DNA-matching to solve crimes an imperfect science DNA-matching may work to catch killers on TV crime shows like CSI but in reality, it’s an imperfect science we shouldn’t have blind faith in, says Andrew Rule.
Crime by Andrew Rule
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Subscriber only Catching crooks and killers became a lot easier when DNA-matching hit the courts. It was the greatest investigation breakthrough since law enforcement took up fingerprinting in the 1890s. It took about a decade before fingerprint evidence was used to decide a criminal trial but after that it rapidly became an investigation tool routinely used by police worldwide. Fingerprint techniques have, of course, been refined ever since.
More people acquitted in judge-only trials as applications increase
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The number of accused criminals applying to have their cases heard by a judge rather than a jury has increased as new data shows more people have been acquitted in judge-only trials.
Applications for judge-alone trials before the County Court have increased ahead of the temporary measure ending at the end of the month, with 20 applications in the past two months alone, compared to 21 in the first five months of operation.
Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd believes matters involving complex scientific evidence could better suit a judge-alone trial.
More people acquitted in judge-only trials as applications increase theage.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theage.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Claremont killer will not appeal convictions, sentence 04/02/2021|4min
Court officials have confirmed Claremont serial killer Bradley Robert Edwards has failed to lodge an appeal against his convictions and sentence by the Wednesday deadline – and subsequently will not be challenging his jail term.
The 52-year-old was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years after being convicted for the murders of Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon in Perth in the 1990s.
Western Australia Police vowed they would continue the investigation into the disappearance of another Claremont woman, Sarah Spiers, after Mr Edwards was acquitted of her murder.
Journalist Steve Pennells told Sky News there was a “fear that he[Edwards] would appeal, the signs were there”.
Claremont serial killerâs shocking move A surprising development in the Claremont serial killer case could mean the end of the legal process for now.
Crime by Angie Raphael 3rd Feb 2021 7:57 PM Claremont serial killer and brutal rapist Bradley Robert Edwards has failed to lodge an appeal by the court deadline, seemingly bringing an end to the long-running case. Edwards, 52, was sentenced in December last year to life behind bars with a minimum of 40 years to be served after he was found guilty of murdering childcare worker Jane Rimmer, 23, in 1996 and solicitor Ciara Glennon, 27, in 1997. But he was acquitted of murdering 18-year-old secretary Sarah Spiers, who vanished in 1996 and has never been found.