DNA considered a "low template" profile - officially quantified as zero

Genetic data recovered from an alledged getaway car used in the gun attack at Massereene that implicate Colin and Brian are classified as "low template" DNA such is their size, a forensic scientist told Antrim Crown Court.

On the tenth day of the case, the court was also read parts of a new statement made by Brian in which he claimed that two friends - not named in court - would smoke with him in his house and would often take his matches.

On her second day in the witness box, Dr Watson was cross examined by the two defendants' lawyers. 

Patrick O'Connor, representing Brian, asked the expert about the quantities of DNA found on the matchsticks and phone.  She said two samples were officially classified as "zero" quantity and one was measured as 0.01 nanograms (100 billionth of a gram).  Enhancement techniques were used on some of the data, she added.

Crown counsel Terence Mooney QC acknowledged the data was small.  "We are dealing with a very small amount of recovered DNA," he said.

Barry McDonald, representing Colin, questioned her in detail about the glove tip and asked her was it possible his client's DNA could have got on to the item by a means other than him wearing it.

"Given the strength of profile in this case and findings I would say it was more likely the individual had worn the item," she said.  But Mr McDonald then suggested it could have been transferred from another person, for example, that this individual had been in contact with Colin and then later put on or touched the glove.

Dr Watson acknowledged that such "secondary transfer" was possible.  The expert said if another individual had been involved then their DNA should also have been present on the glove.

In her lab tests, Dr Watson concluded that the likelihood of the DNA from the glove coming from another individual unrelated to Colin was less than one in a billion.

Mr McDonald asked if that probability changed if the potential of a relative touching the glove was considered. She said the likelihood would be one in 10,000 of it being one of Duffy's siblings rather than him.

The expert acknowledged the amount of DNA obtained from the seat belt buckle was also low enough to be officially quantified as zero.  Dr Watson said that would be considered a "low template" profile.

She also conceded she could not tell exactly when any of the DNA was deposited on the items from the car.

The court heard that the DNA of six other males and one female were also found in or around the used vehicle.