Prisoners jailed on the strength of a DNA testing technique that is now under review could turn to the appeal courts in a bid to have their convictions quashed, an expert said today.
Police have suspended the testing of "low copy DNA" following the acquittal of Omagh bomb suspect Sean Hoey, with the Association of Chief Police officers (Acpo) saying that forces were already operating an "interim suspension" of the cutting-edge technique.
The British Crown Prosecution Service is to review "live" cases, where Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA testing is involved.
A similar review is being made in Northern Ireland at the request of Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde.
One criminal law specialist said today that rather than the CPS undertaking a widespread review of previous cases, it was much more likely that individuals would bring cases forward.
The relatively new LCN DNA testing system — which enables the analysis of a small number of cells — was used on the timers for bombs involved in Real IRA attacks and allegedly linked them to Omagh accused Sean Hoey.
However, Mr Justice Weir, the judge in the case, decided it was not yet at a sufficiently scientific level to be considered evidence.
Sir Hugh said the review did not mean LCN DNA evidence was being dismissed.