QLD DNA lab scandal impacts case of alleged murderer Portmoresby Cecil
One of Central Queensland’s alleged murder cases is being delayed as a result of the Queensland DNA laboratory scandal.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of Central Queensland’s alleged murder cases is being delayed as a result of the Queensland DNA laboratory scandal.
Portmoresby (BJ) Cecil, 35, has been charged with the murder of Sue Duffy, 71, who died in her West Street, Allenstown, home on August 21.
He has not entered a plea.
It will be alleged Mrs Duffy sustained “substantial injuries”, believed to be caused by a bladed instrument.
Mr Cecil’s matter was mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on May 31 where his defence lawyer, Grant Cagney, advised he had made his way through most of what was available of the brief of evidence.
He said there was still a DNA statement outstanding.
Police prosecutor Sergeant David Longhurst produced a letter from a forensic scientist advising the court that this case “was wrapped up in the commission for re-examination”.
A commission of inquiry into Queensland’s DNA laboratory was held after The Australian’s podcast Shandee’s Story investigation into the murder of Shandee Blackburn in 2013 raised concerns about the forensic examination procedures in Queensland.
Issues included a controversial decision in 2018 to stop testing DNA samples below a certain threshold and instead incorrectly report them to the police and courts as being DNA insufficient, or DIFP.
More than 1800 false witness statements in at least 1260 court cases were made by the troubled Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services on whether DNA had been detected.
Commissioner Walter Sofronoff KC made more than 100 recommendations in his 500-page report.
Mr Cecil’s matters were adjourned until 12 July.
More Coverage
Originally published as QLD DNA lab scandal impacts case of alleged murderer Portmoresby Cecil
Drunk stalker smears his blood over girlfriend’s face, threatens to kill her
A desperate woman was so terrified of her abusive stalker boyfriend harassing her for money that she paid him simply so he would “leave her alone”.
Watch: Driver with baby in car clocked allegedly 50km/h over speed limit
A Central Qld man has been given a traffic infringement notice after police found him travelling along a highway allegedly doing 130km/h in a 80km/h zone. VIDEO
‘I’ll run over them’: Driver’s disturbing threat about neighbour’s kids
An ongoing dispute boiled over when a Central Queensland driver threatened to run over a neighbour’s children.
Trapped victim: work chat flares into fists flying in office
A father of three who did not like the feedback a colleague was giving him about his work ethic and how he handled instructions in the workplace turned on the man.
Highway car fire ‘fully involved’, causes grass fire
Emergency services are at the scene of a car fire on a highway in Central Queensland.
Your ultimate guide to every gun club in Queensland
A new public shooting gallery catering to unlicensed shooters as young as 11 has opened as firearm sports experience a surge in popularity. See our exclusive list of all gun clubs in Queensland.