Damilola Taylor: An independent review of forensic examination of evidence by the Forensic Science Service (FSS)
Alan Rawley QC and Professor Brian Caddy were asked by the Home Secretary to conduct an Independent Review of the forensic examination of evidence carried out by the FSS in 2000 during the police investigation into the death of Damilola Taylor. During the course of 2 trials in 2006, evidence presented by the Prosecution suggested there had been serious quality failures in the FSS’ examination of items of clothing sent to them by the Metropolitan Police.
The main finding of the Independent Review is that there was no systemic failure in the operations of the FSS but that there were however human failures in implementing the operating procedures which brought about the failure to recover crucial evidence in this case. The Report makes a number of recommendations for changes within the FSS operating procedures and includes support for the creation of the role of a Forensic Science Regulator. The Home Office and the FSS will now give full consideration to the Report’s findings and recommendations.
Date: Fri May 18 10:37:55 BST 2007
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