Rape trial told DNA found on blanket

A forensic scientist has revealed she found DNA matching that of the Monaghan man accused of raping an 86-year-old woman on an…

A forensic scientist has revealed she found DNA matching that of the Monaghan man accused of raping an 86-year-old woman on an electric blanket taken from the complainant’s home.

Dr Linda Williams of the Forensic Science Laboratory said the piece of blanket cut out for DNA analysis contained semen.

Dr Williams told prosecution counsel, Mr Tom O'Connell SC (with Mr Paul Carroll BL), that she also found the man's DNA on damaged pyjamas belonging to the elderly complainant.

The 35-year-old accused has pleaded not (NOT) guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping the woman on June 16, 2008 and to burglary of her home with intent to steal on the same occasion.

Dr Williams told Mr O'Connell that no two people, except identical twins, have the same DNA profile.

She agreed with defence counsel, Mr Fergal Foley BL (with Mr Patrick MacEntee SC) that she found an incomplete DNA profile on the pyjamas but a full DNA match on the electric blanket.

The trial continues at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice George Birmingham and a jury of four women and eight men