A bloody finger mark found on the wall of a room where the decomposing body of a man was found, was that of a man accused of murder, a jury in the Central Criminal Court has been told.
Mr Patrick Joseph (P.J.) McGreene (29), with addresses at Corrib Park and Street Mary's Road, Galway, has denied murdering his uncle, Mr Tom Clisham (53), between November 24th and December 4th 1997, at Inveran, Co Galway.
Det Sgt Declan Buckley told the court he conducted finger mark examinations at the scene. "Such were the number of ridge characteristics in coincidence as to leave me in no doubt," that the finger mark was that of the defendant, he said.
Det Sgt Buckley said he also removed and examined other items, including the bloodied neck of a whiskey bottle which had no identifiable finger marks.
Recalled by the prosecution, Mr Micheal Folan gave evidence in Irish through an interpreter. He said he had previously stated he had not been convicted of any offences, but now remembered that was not the case. He had paid a fine for various offences.
The trial continues on Monday.