Northern Irish Court of Appeal dismisses appeal of murder conviction on grounds that the the trial Judge correctly admitted both DNA evidence and evidence of the accused's bad character.
Appeal against conviction – murder – life sentence – Hart J imposed a tariff of 12 years – whether trial Judge erred in admitting DNA evidence and having done so failed to adequately warn the jury as to the need for caution in the circumstances – whether trial Judge erred in admitting evidence of the applicant's bad character, namely that she often carried a knife, and having done so failed to give the jury appropriate guidance in relation to that evidence – victim had died as a result of a stab wound to the head – DNA evidence properly admitted – bad character evidence relevant to commission of crime with weapon – appeal dismissed.