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THE NEW DNA database launched 15 months ago has helped gardaí with 625 crimes including murders, sexual assaults and hundreds of burglaries.
The annual report from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) has revealed the database is linking one in every five crime scene samples to individuals. Some 9,048 profiles were uploaded onto the database by the end of 2016 and it linked 385 people to specific crimes – in some cases multiple crimes.
This included two murders, five sexual assaults, 295 burglaries, 42 robberies/thefts and 57 cases of criminal damage. Today, FSI provided examples of a number of cases that have been aided by the existence of this new database.
The identity of Kenneth O’Brien, whose body parts were found at a canal in Celbridge, Co Kildare in January last year, was confirmed using the new database.
FSI said it carried out a number of examinations and DNA testing on other items and exhibits in this case. A suspect has been charged with murder in this case and the trial is scheduled to be held later this year.
The database also helped identify a man suspected of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The 15-year-old went missing for a period of time while out socialising with friends in November 2014 and it was believed that she was sexually assaulted.
A sexual offences kit report was issued from FSI and this indicated that a DNA profile was obtained from the semen on vaginal swabs but the source of this profile was unknown. However, the unknown DNA was entered into the database when it commenced in November 2015. Within the first three months of operation, a sample was submitted from a suspect who had been detained for a traffic offence and was found to match the profile from the semen.
In more than 200 cases, burglars were linked to their crimes using this database. Among these is a burglary on 29 July 2016, when a man entered the home of an 80-year-old, armed with a weapon and looking for money. A piece of blue latex glove was left at the scene and a DNA profile was obtained from it for comparison with samples taken from suspects that had been previously detained for serious offences. A match was found to a man who had been detained two months earlier for public order offences.
FSI said it has diverted significant resources to helping gardaí in their investigation into gangland crime. They have taken DNA profiles from weapons, clothing and other items and analysed large seizures of drugs and clothing for firearm residue.
Speaking at the launch of the annual report, Dr Sheilia Willis, director of FSI, said figures show just how effective the database has been in helping gardaí to tackle crime.
“The database really is providing itself to be a very valuable crime intelligence tool,” she said.
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald also said the database’s crime-solving capacity had “exceeded all of our expectations”.
Just proves a properly resourced force is an effective force. We’re years behind other countries in so many aspects.
@Dilly Dong: They are the Forensic Lab figures. UK got Thu type of database over 15yrs ago, our Garda got it last year.
@Dilly Dong: if you don’t trust the Gardaí that’s your call, but the FSI is a completely separate organisation.
@Gnik: I think everybody should give a DNA profile to the database when born or when you become a resident in Ireland…guarantee you there would be an increase in crime detection. Then we just need a judiciary to hand out the PROPER sentences to keep the repeat criminals off our streets. Before the civil liberties bleeding hearts respond….my only comment is if you are a law abiding citizen this will make your life safer.
@Gnik: they could use it to work out who stole the money.
@Mary Murphy: whilst personally I agree, those who are sceptical would worry that your DNA could be abused and you could be placed at scenes you were never at. Only need to look at some of the scandals in America to see one bad cop, can abuse that type of DNA
brilliant
@David Peate: yeah fantastic! Only about 20 years behind the rest of the civilised world, my house was burgled 3 years ago and the durtbyrds left behind a dirty needle, Garda had no interest cos no data base was available
@john barnes: at least they have it now. But don’t let that stop you from having a good old moan
@Darren Tully: who is moaning? I’m just pointing out what is being presented as a good news story could also be seen as a national embarrassment on how behind the times and under resourced our police force is
Suspended sentences for all.
First good news from the criminal justice system in years
It’s hard to believe that we are only coming to the conclusion the DNA is the way forward, you gotta love the 1980′s
We should have a national DNA database, details recorded at birth or when person move to Ireland. With obvious restrictions placed on access to it. Such would be a serious deterrent to criminals
“Never doubted the benefits that would result from my pioneering Database Act”
Alan Shatter is one mega pain in the asre.
@Brian MacCarthaigh: But he did see the legislation through the Oireachtas and made sure it was properly funded when other Ministers had talked about it for years. If it is fair to criticise when you think a Minister is in the wrong surely it is fair to give credit when they are in the right? He is in the right on this one as he consistently drove and championed the legislation and the funding for the database at a time of public expenditure cutbacks.
Crazy that this wasnt in place to begin with, next up is connecting them across the EU and the world.
“a sample was submitted from a suspect who had been detained for a traffic offence”
Does this mean the guards are collecting DNA for people committing traffic offences? Does anyone else think this is wrong?
@Sean Claffey: No I dont. It helped them catch a rapist. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about.
@Paul P O’Sullivan: “If you have nothing to hide you, you have nothing to worry about”… So why not just have mandatory DNA samples taken from everyone? While we’re at it, give the government access to everyone’s online accounts, phone records, email….
@Sean Claffey: If you commit a crime rhat requires court your DNA should be taken.
@Paul P O’Sullivan: only after conviction.
Perhaps the man wasn’t guilty of a traffic offence.
@Sean Claffey: Keeping in mind that some traffic offences are incidents like dangerous driving and dangerous driving causing death or injury I don’t believe that to be disproportionate at all. In the UK it’s very simple; you’re arrested on suspicion of an (any) offence and you get sampled, end off…
Solved != Convictions
Just think if they had of created their database when Britain brought theirs online 20yrs ago how those stats would read now..
@The Viking: did u have to post that while I was still typing my comment?
I was never a big fan of Alan Shatter. The UK introduced a DNA on April 10 1995. It takes us 20 years to get our act together. It’s nothing to get excited about. Great idea to follow the UKs lead 20 years later the tweet should read.
@Sean: The database should have been introduced earlier but Shatter was the one who got it done and who made sure it was funded when everything else was being cut back. It is fair to credit him.
Semen everywhere!!!
@Bar Bar Drinks: Next time, use a sock.
@Matty kinevan:
An empty Tayto bag is more effective than a sock. Cautionary note: don’t use empty salt ‘n vinegar bags
@Nick Allen: More of a Spicy Monster Munch man myself
@Nick Allen: You’re a kinky man Nick Allen
20 years too late
have your say