DNA matching a murder accused in Glasgow 'found on a belt' - claims forensic scientist
DNA matching a murder accused was found on a belt which was around 24-year-old Derek Sheerin's neck, a forensic scientist told a jury earlier.
Last updated 30th Mar 2017
DNA matching a murder accused was found on a belt which was around 24-year-old Derek Sheerin's neck, a forensic scientist told a jury earlier.
Dr Nighean Stevenson was giving evidence at the trial of Philip Morrison , 40, from Northern Ireland, who denies murdering Mr Sheerin by strangling him with a belt on September 25, 1994 on waste ground near to London Road, Glasgow.
She told prosecutor Iain McSporran QC at the High Court in Glasgow that fibres found on the inside of the belt were first examined in 1994 and then in 2015.
Dr Stevenson added: “Over the years since 1994 there have been huge advances made in scientific technology and we wanted to examine this case.”
The jury heard that the death of Mr Sheerin was re-investigated as a cold case.
Dr Stevenson said that DNA matching that of Morrison and Mr Sheerin were on the black leather belt which was round Mr Sheerin's neck when his body was found.
She said one possible scenario was that “The belt had likely been used as a ligature to strangle him.”
Dr Stevenson added: “It could be explained if Philip Morrison had strangled Derek Sheerin using the ligature.”
But, she said it could also be explained by secondary transfer as both men were friends, living in Sheerin's sister's house and sharing clothes and added: “It is consistent with Mr Morrison borrowing the belt and putting it on.”
Referring to the two scenarios Dr Stevenson added: “We are unable to say which is more likely.”
The jury also heard that the DNA of a mystery man – known as male 1 – was found on Mr Sheerin's denim jacket and his face and hands.
Dr Stevenson said: “The DNA is from a male we have not been able to identify.”
The court heard that the Scottish and UK databases and the internal Scottish Police staff databases had been searched with no success.
Morrison, 40, denies murdering 24-year-old Mr Sheerin near to London Road, Glasgow, on September 25, 1994.
It is alleged Morrison compressed Mr Sheerin's neck with a belt and robbed him of a watch, tobacco and £20.
During cross-examination Dr Stevenson told the jury that there was an "indication" that in 1994 the paper bag containing the belt was open.
Defence counsel Derek Ogg QC asked if as a professional and expert witness it raised alarm bells and she said "It does".
She was asked if it was "bad practice" for the bag to be open and she said that was her understanding.
The witness told the court an item would not be accepted for analysis of trace DNA today if it was inappropriately packaged.
Dr Stevenson added: "Under different circumstances, I'm not saying we would never consider examining an item."
The trial before Lady Rae continues.