‘Police forces across the UK are trialling technology that allows officers to analyse DNA samples in custody suites, amid fears that civil liberties could be infringed and evidence compromised.’
The Independent, 21st April 2015
Source: www.independent.co.uk
‘A drug addict whose attack on a disabled pensioner caused outrage around the world should use his four-year jail sentence to “do some thinking”, his victim has said.’
The Guardian, 2nd April 2015
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
‘A man who spent 17 years in prison for attempted rape before having his conviction quashed on the basis of a DNA test is suing the miscarriage of justice watchdog for negligence. It is claimed the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) repeatedly failed to undertake forensic analysis of the victim’s clothing, instead relying on the assurances of the same police force that investigated the case.’
The Independent, 15th March 2015
Source: www.independent.co.uk
‘A rapist who preyed on women walking alone is facing jail after admitting crimes spanning nearly 30 years. Mechanic Clive Howard attacked five women in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire between 1986 and 2014. Police believe there may be more victims and are appealing for women targeted by Howard to come forward.’
The Guardian, 11th March 2015
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
‘Murders are tragic but rare. But what drives some people to kill? Michael Mosley has been looking into research exploring the minds of murderers.’
BBC News, 9th March 2015
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘The Ministry of Justice’s decision to reinstate funding for DNA tests that determine parentage in family court cases was the right thing to do, says the Bar Council after Justice Minister Simon Hughes announced funds for between £500,000 and £1m a year to pay for tests.’
The Bar Council, 23rd February 2015
Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk
‘The UK has become the first country in the world to legalise so-called three-parent babies after the House of Lords backed the idea despite objections from church leaders and pro-life groups.’
The Independent, 24th February 2015
Source: www.independent.co.uk
In re Z (Children) (DNA Profiles: Disclosure) [2015] EWCA Civ 34; [2015] WLR (D) 76
‘On a purposive construction of sections 19 and 22 in Part II of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, biometric material seized and retained by the police could not be used or disclosed for any purpose other than criminal law enforcement, nor could a court order its disclosure for an unconnected purpose. Such a construction was compatible with the right to respect for a person’s private and family life under article 8 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.’
WLR Daily, 5th February 2015
Source: www.iclr.co.uk
‘DNA tests in family courts will be provided across England from later this year, Justice Minister Simon Hughes has announced.’
Ministry of Justice, 17th February 2015
Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice
‘Family court judges in England will be able to order DNA tests to determine a child’s parentage from September, Justice Minister Simon Hughes has said.’
BBC News, 17th February 2015
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘The Court of Appeal has ruled that it would not be lawful for DNA originally collected by the police to be used by a local authority for the purposes of a paternity test.’
UK Human Rights Blog, 11th February 2015
Source: www.ukhumanrightsblog.com
‘A man with a fetish for older women has been jailed for life for the murder of a pensioner in her Cornwall home. Patrick Curran was 27 when he strangled 74-year-old widow Joan Roddam at her home in Delabole, in November 2003.’
BBC News, 27th January 2015
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘Biometrics commissioner warns privacy laws meant to protect innocent could also guard those committing offences abroad.’
The Guardian, 16th December 2014
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
‘A man who admitted a bomb hoax in Bristol after he doused a car in fuel has been sent to prison for 20 months.’
BBC News, 24th November 2014
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘As the Tories attempt to dilute the treaty’s authority in the UK, James Cusick takes a look at the difference it has made.’
The Independent, 3rd October 2014
Source: www.independent.co.uk
‘Guidance for chief police officers when considering whether to make an application to the Commissioner for the retention and use of biometric material.’
Home Office, 26th September 2014
Source: www.gov.uk/home-office
‘Forensic expert Peter Gill, who raised the issue with the Home Office in April said the recognition that subjective interpretations of DNA evidence were potentially biased and unscientific and could lead to a number of appeals.’
Daily Telegraph, 23rd September 2014
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
‘“People think that miscarriages of justice are rare and exceptional,” says Dr Michael Naughton, founder of the UK Innocence Project. “But every single day, people are overturning convictions for criminal offences. Miscarriages of justice are routine, even mundane features of the criminal justice system. They are systemic.” ‘
Daily Telegraph, 4th September 2014
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
‘A man has been found guilty of the murder of a Portuguese immigrant who was about to travel home after failing to find work in the UK.’
BBC News, 11th August 2014
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘John Tughan, barrister, of 4 Paper Buildings reviews recent important judgments in public law children cases.’
Family Law Week, 24th July 2014
Source: www.familylawweek.co.uk
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