To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times crime scene DNA has been matched with the DNA of an innocent passer-by since the introduction of the National DNA Database; and if he will make a statement.
There is no known case of an innocent passer-by being wrongly convicted solely on the basis of their DNA being found at a crime scene. A match between DNA taken from an individual and that from a crime scene is intelligence, indicating that the individual has been present at the scene. The police and Crown Prosecution Service take account of the fact that there may be an innocent explanation for this. Home Office Circular 58/2004 to chief officers states that there should be further supporting evidence, in addition to the match, before someone is charged. This is also reflected in guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers, and additionally the Crown Prosecution Service make it very clear that in every case involving a DNA profile, there must also be appropriate supporting evidence before a case can proceed.
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