Connor Gibson's DNA found on murdered sister's skin and underwear
Forensics say the traces of DNA could have come from skin contact with Amber
Last updated 14th Jul 2023
The DNA of Amber Gibson’s brother was found on her body, bra and underwear, a murder trial heard today.
Gibson’s DNA was discovered on the waistband and ankle cuffs of Amber’s jogging bottoms.
A forensic biologist told the High Court in Glasgow that the traces of DNA could have come from skin contact with Amber.
Alana Gunn, 35, added that the DNA of co-accused Stephen Corrigan were also found in 39 places all over Amber’s body including intimate areas as well as her bra.
Gibson, 20, is charged with the sexual assault and murder of 16-year-old Amber Gibson at Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, on Friday 26th November, 2021.
Corrigan, 45, is accused of breach of the peace and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
He had lodged a special defence of alibi.
READ MORE: Court hears Amber Gibson died from neck compression.
It is claimed Corrigan found Amber's body, but rather than alert police, he inappropriately touched her and then hid her remains under bushes and branches.
Miss Gunn told the court that she swabbed and analysed Amber's body where she was found and prepared a report.
The witness said that Gibson and Corrigan's DNA were found on Amber's right hip.
She stated the result was "one billion times more likely" to have come from them than two unrelated individuals.
Gibson and Corrigan's DNA was also found on Amber's left hip as well as the palm on her right hand.
Gibson's DNA was also found on Amber's upper abdomen.
Jurors heard that Corrigan's DNA was recovered on "intimate areas" of Amber's body including her buttocks, inner thigh and legs.
READ MORE: Footprint found on Amber Gibson's underwear matches brother's shoes.
Prosecutor Richard Goddard KC asked the witness if it was a billion times more likely that the DNA recovered from her buttock was from Amber and Corrigan rather than Amber and an unrelated individual.
Miss Gunn replied: "Yes."
Mr Goddard: "This is as good a match as you are going to report for Corrigan being a major contributor?|
Miss Gunn: "Yes."
Mr Goddard later stated: "There were 39 separate swabs from different areas around Amber's body?"
Miss Gunn: "Yes."
Mr Goddard: "On each of them you found DNA from the same man Stephen Corrigan?"
Miss Gunn: "Yes."
Mr Goodard asked the witness if DNA from both Gibson and Corrigan were found on "various areas" of Amber's body.
She replied: "Yes."
The witness told the court that she also analysed clothing found at the scene.
Miss Gunn stated that Gibson's DNA was found on "contact blood staining" on the straps of the bra.
Mr Goddard asked if could have happened when his bleeding hand was on the bra.
Miss Gunn replied: "It could be."
The witness earlier stated that the DNA found on Amber could have come from Gibson's "skin cells."
Traces of Corrigan's DNA were also found on the straps with the one billion times likelihood also applied.
The pair were also noted to have traces of DNA on the inside and outside cup of the bra.
Gibson's DNA and an untraceable contributor was found on the fastening of the bra.
Amber's "dirty" grey top was also analysed and noted to have her blood staining on it.
Gibson's DNA was found on the inside of the top which Miss Gunn said was one billion times more likely to be him than someone unrelated to him.
Corrigan's DNA meantime was found on the inside hem of the top.
Miss Gunn told jurors that a pair of shorts that were determined to have been used by Amber as underwear were examined.
She stated that there was a "mixed" DNA profile on the inside front and waistband.
Amber was noted to be a "major contributor" to the DNA while Gibson was assessed to have a "trace" of his DNA on the shorts.
The trial continues on Tuesday before Judge Lord Mulholland.