DNA matching murder accused found on hoodie, High Court hears

The High Court in Glasgow has heard DNA matching the man accused of shooting dead 26-year-old Euan Johnston was found inside a burnt-out car.

Forensic expert Morag Coyle was giving evidence at the trial of 33-year-old David Scott who denies killing Mr Johnston by shooting him repeatedly on November 15, 2016, at the junction of Shields Road and Scotland Street in the city’s south side.

The jury at the High Court in Glasgow has previously been told that a blue Audi Q5 was seen speeding along Scotland Street around 11.40pm shortly after Mr Johnston was shot twice in the head. It was later found burnt out.

Ms Coyle said that she examined two tops – a Nike hoodie zipper and a Russell top - found in the burnt-out car.

She told prosecutor Alex Prentice QC that she found DNA matching that of Scott on a fire-damaged dark-coloured Nike hi-tech Windrammer zipper top.

The forensic scientist told the jury that she found a major contributor of DNA and a minor contributor of DNA on the left side of a zipped pocket.

She told the jury: “DNA matching that of David Scott was the major contributor.”

The DNA of the minor contributor matched that of Scott's girlfriend Shelby McLaughland.

One another part of the damaged top Ms Coyle said that DNA matching that of Scott was also found.

Ms Coyle said: “In our opinion the finding could be explained if David Scott was a regular wearer of this item.”

She added: “We were unable to say whether David Scott was an occupant of the Audi Q 5.”

The court has heard that Mr Johnston was shot twice to the head as his Audi RS4 sat at red traffic lights at the junction of Shields Road and Scotland Street, Glasgow.

Minutes earlier he and his friend Brian McMahon, 31, had left the Red Pepper restaurant in St Andrews Road, Glasgow, after having a meal.

The trial before Judge Lady Stacey continues.