A scientist found incriminating ‘one in a billion’

A scientist found incriminating ‘one in a billion’ DNA evidence on bloodstained clothes worn by a police officer accused of a rape attack on a schoolgirl, the Old Bailey heard today.

(Fri)

PC Paul Miller is alleged to have dragged the screaming 17-year-old into bushes in Wilberforce Road, Hendon, north west London.

Miller, 35, ripped off her knickers and indecently assaulted the terrified teenager before he attempted to rape her, the court has heard.

A householder who overheard the attack feared the victim was being killed and rang police.

A colleague zipped up Miller’s trousers before the suspect tried to fight off four officers in an attempt to escape, it is alleged.

Damian Lyle, a police DNA expert today (Fri) told how he examined Miller’s bloodied white rugby shirt and the victim’s fingernail clippings.

Swabs were also taken from Miller’s hands, the court heard.

Mr Lyle said clippings from the girl’s right hand were tested but failed to provide any DNA traces other than her own.

But from the left hand there was a mixture of DNA belonging to the alleged victim and another person he added.

‘The remaining part of that mixture matched the corresponding profile of Paul Miller,’ said Mr Lyle.

Mr Lyle said that on examining the rugby shirt he found three areas of bloodstaining, on both cuffs and also the front of the garment.

‘All three areas of bloodstaining matched the profile of the girl’s blood,’ he explained.

‘The chances of obtaining that match from someone other than her was one in a billion.

‘

Mr Lyle said that a swab taken from Miller also produced a match.

‘With the swab from the right hand the result showed DNA from two people which mostly matched the profile of Paul Miller himself,’ he said.

‘But also the remaining piece of DNA which matched the corresponding part of the woman’s herself.

‘

The court has heard the victim was targeted after she walked home to Colindale after a row with her sister in a restaurant in London’s Camden Town.

Miller grabbed her near West Hendon station and dragged her into the bushes, it is claimed.

The policeman, from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, who was serving at Finchley denies attempted rape and indecent assault on February 17 this year.

The trial continues.

ends