DNA match lands prison sentence for break-in committed 20 years ago

A Townsville man’s DNA used to rule him out of a murder has instead landed him a prison sentence for a break-in committed 20 years ago

• 15-year-old boy refuses to leave his cell to appear in court
• ‘I want to get out, bruh’: Teens remanded due to ‘unacceptable risk’

A TOWNSVILLE man ruled out of a murder involving his sister has instead been handed a prison sentence for a break-in he committed 20 years ago after his DNA matched him to the historic crime scene.

Daniel Colin Walker, 43, broke into Lesnie’s Butcher Shop in Townsville on June 19, 2001.

He pleaded guilty to the offence in the Townsville Magistrates Court almost 20 years later on Thursday after police charged him on April 26 this year.

The court heard Walker was 22 when he smashed the front glass door of the shop to gain entry before he stole $150 from a money tin and several butcher’s knives.

Police in 2001 took a sample of blood from the door but DNA tests did not return a match at the time and it was entered into a database for future reference.

A positive DNA match was instead returned this year when Walker was asked to provide a sample to rule him out of his sister’s murder the court heard. His DNA ruled him out of any involvement.

The 2001 file was subsequently reopened and Walker was arrested for the offence.

In sentencing, Magistrate Steven Mosch said it was a “very unusual” but “very serious offence”.

Mr Mosch sentenced Walker to six months imprisonment, suspended for one month.

Walker was allowed to walk free from court.

Originally published as DNA match lands prison sentence for break-in committed 20 years ago