Sir, - It would appear that the spirit of Mr Frank Skuse, erstwhile discredited Home Office forensic scientist and star witness in the Birmingham Six trial, continues to stalk the London law courts.
According to your issue of July 3rd, a "key" piece of forensic which convicted Mr Barry George of the murder of Ms Jill Dando was a "small particle" in his coat pocket which was "similar" to residue found in Ms Dando's hair.
If the particle were gunpowder-based, presumably all users of firearms must be similarly culpable; if metallic, all holders of key, coins and other commonplace paraphernalia should feel uncomfortable. That the trial judge did not give a sterner warning about the limitations of forensic evidence was, at best, worrying.
In the event of an appeal, it will be interesting to note whether these shortcomings will be revisited, or whether the Birmingham Six analogy will be continued in the attitudes of appeal judges. - Yours, etc.,
B. O'Rourke, Alderwood Park, Naas, Co Kildare.