Sue Pope, PFS, and Alex Biedermann, University of Lausanne, are topic editors for this e-book collection of papers focusing on so-called evaluative uses of evidence, in particular DNA evidence. Since DNA analysis became part of forensic science in the mid-1980s, its impact on investigation of crime and at court has been immense. In a few years the technique became the …

In the Supreme Court of Western Australia, Perth, Bradley Edwards has just been found guilty of the murder of two young women in 1996/7 in a notorious case which has become known as the Claremont Killings. International DNA expert Dr Jonathan Whitaker gave evidence on the critical DNA profile evidence from the fingernail of victim Ciara Glennon which provided the …

Gillian Leak and Jonathan Whitaker both delivered Webinars via Zoom this month to Doughty Street Chambers members and instructing solicitors on aspects of DNA profiling and BPA. Both Webinars were well received. Discipline specific Webinars can be tailored to a Chamber’s requirements – please contact us if this is something we could assist with.

Disaster victim identification operations with fragmented, burnt, or commingled remains: experience-based recommendations Hans H. de Boer, Julie Roberts, Tania Delabarde, Amy Z. Mundorff & Soren Blau Published online: 26 May 2020 Please find a link here to the article: https://doi.org/10.1080/20961790.2020.1751385

Jonathan Whitaker was pleased to be invited to deliver a Zoom lecture on the 1st June to barristers from Chavasse Court Chambers, Liverpool, and instructing solicitors on aspects of DNA profiling. The lecture covered issues relating to DNA reporting covering the questions: ‘Whose DNA is it?; What body fluid has the DNA originated from? How and when did the DNA …

The Forensic Science Regulator has published two documents today related to sexual assault examinations. These were initially drafted by PFS experts Julie Allard, Kevin Sullivan and Mike Scott-Ham, in conjunction with experts from Lime Culture CIC. We contributed to the development of the documents with the FSR’s Medical forensics specialist group and are delighted to see them published. They define …

PFS is very pleased to announce that David Goodwin has joined us with immediate effect. David started his career in fingerprints at New Scotland Yard in 1979, during his 10 years with the Metropolitan Police he worked on many general and specialist teams within the Fingerprint Bureau including Fraud and Anti-Terrorism. He also spent 3 years working as a ‘District …

PFS is very pleased to announce the addition of Professor Roger Robson, a leading expert in the forensic examination of textile fibres and hairs, with over 40 years experience, to our portfolio of experts.  Originally rooted in the Forensic Science Service for 20 years, Roger trained in various disciplines and specialised in micro-particle examination, analysis and evaluation. Having now amassed …

There are a number of important updates to the FSR Codes of Practice and Conduct for forensic science providers in the Criminal Justice System. The document can be accessed here:  https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/forensic-science-providers-codes-of-practice-and-conduct

Julie Roberts is quoted in the Institute of Engineering & Technology journal ‘Engineering & Technology’ regarding some of the extraordinary forensic casework she has been involved in. Julie is the consultant forensic anthropologist and archaeologist with PFS and recently became a Lecturer in forensic anthropology at Liverpool John Moores University. Please find the link here: https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2020/03/non-fiction-forensics-weird-ways-in-which-real-world-crimes-have-been-solved/?sf231733031=1