London Calling, Take 2: First "Low Copy Number" DNA Case Dropped In Wake of Omagh Bomb Trial

Earlier, I wrote anout how the United Kingdom has suspended its use of "low copy number" DNA in the wake of questions about its reliability and specifically the Sean Hoey Omagh bomb case.  Now, the prosecution has withdrawn charges against a Strabane youth which relied on low copy number DNA, the first such dismissal since the fallout from the Omagh bomb trial.  In January 1, 2005, the youth was accused of assembling and possessing a firebomb, but the prosecution dropped charges after the judge refused to delay the case until the review of "low copy number" DNA had been completed.  We're certain to see similar dismissals in the future.

-CM