A male DNA sample found on the vacuum cleaner flex believed to have strangled Siobhan Kearney (38) could not be identified as that of her husband Brian Kearney, the Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard today.
Mr Kearney (50) of Carnroe, Knocknashee, Goatstown, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife on February 28th, 2006.
Mr Justice Barry White heard evidence from Dr Dorothy Ramsbottom, a DNA specialist at Garda National Headquarters, that female DNA on the flex matched Ms Kearney with a 1 in 1000 million chance of error.
Her initial test of male DNA on the cord showed a 1-in-18 chance that the male sample found on the flex came from someone other than Mr Kearney, Dr Ramsbottom said.
However when she used a new, more sensitive technique for detecting DNA the male component could not be determined.
She had tested two knotted areas on the vacuum cleaner cord, the court heard. "I didn't find any evidence of Brian Kearney's DNA on the flex of the hoover," Dr Ramsbottom said.
Under questioning from prosecuting counsel Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, Dr Ramsbottom said it was possible for someone to touch an item and not leave DNA.