On 21/11/2023 04:37 pm, Simon Mason wrote:
> SWIVEL: DNA evidence means we can start hanging people again.
>
> QUOTE: A Devon man wrongly accused of raping a woman in Manchester has spoken of his anger over a DNA mistake which led to the charge.
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> Charges were dropped against the man when it emerged that a DNA sample was contaminated in the laboratories of Teddington-based LGC Forensics.
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> The man also said he hoped that the real rapist would be caught.
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> LGC Forensics said it deeply regretted that forensic evidence was contaminated in one of its laboratories.
> 'Justice for victim'
>
> The man, who was facing a trial accused of raping the woman at Plant Hill Park, Blackley, in October, said: "I am relieved that I have been found not guilty. But then I always was not guilty."
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> He added: "I am angry that I was falsely accused. I am angry about the amount of pain it has put me and my family through.
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> "I sincerely hope that justice comes for the victim and that the true rapist is caught."
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> His solicitor Philippa Jeffries, who called for a public inquiry, said the man is considering legal action.
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> She said: "It would appear our client's DNA was never present in the sample taken from the rape victim.
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> "As such our client was never implicated in this offence until his DNA was introduced to the victim's sample whilst being processed at their laboratory in Teddington.
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> "We remain fearful for any defendant indicted on DNA or other scientific evidence that has been processed, is being processed or will be processed through LGC's laboratory."
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> Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is reviewing some cases in which the same company processed forensic evidence.
> 'Tragic incident'
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> GMP Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood said when the man was arrested he was "absolutely adamant that he had never been to Manchester so that gave us some concern".
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> Mr Heywood added: "We went back to the supplier who was absolutely adamant that this was not the case so we charged the man with Crown Prosecution Service support.
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> "This week we were contacted by the supplier who said unfortunately the sample was contaminated."
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> Mr Heywood said he believed this was "a tragic but isolated incident".
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> A statement from LGC Forensics said: "LGC has already identified the cause of this contamination and has taken steps to ensure that it cannot happen again.
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> "Our procedure for tracking, identifying and reporting potential contamination will be immediately reviewed and updated."
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> The firm declined to reveal the circumstances surrounding the mistake. ENDS

Was he accused because he was on the chav-bike?