18/05/2007

'Human error' blamed for Damilola mistakes

Mistakes made by forensic scientists in the original investigation into the murder of Damilola Taylor were "human errors" rather than system failures, a report has said.

Experts failed to identify blood spots on trainers and jumpers belonging to two brothers who were later convicted of his manslaughter at a second trial.

The official inquiry, carried out by Alan Rawley QC and Professor Brian Caddy, said that work carried out by the Forensic Science Service (FSS) concluded there were "no systemic failures" in the analysis procedures carried out on shoes and clothing.

Home Office Minister Joan Ryan said that the mistakes were "extremely regrettable".

Ms Ryan also said that she asked the chair of the FSS to provide a considered response to recommendations made in the report.

However, a statement issued by Damilola's parents, Richard and Gloria Taylor, said that they were "enormously disappointed" with the report. The statement said: "Those fatal errors resulted in years of delay and pain for the family in their search for justice for Damilola."

Ten-year-old Damilola died after being stabbed in Peckham, south London, in 2000.

Danny and Rickie Preddie, aged 18 and 19, from Peckham were found guilty of manslaughter at a second trial. They are now serving eight-year sentences.

During the second trial at the Old Bailey, the court heard how there had been "serious quality failures" in the examinations carried out by the FSS.

(KMcA/JM)


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