Suspect’s DNA on taps at murdered pensioner’s home
DNA from a man accused of murdering an elderly businessman was found on bath taps at the pensioner’s home, a court heard.
Mark Love, 38, is on trial at Maidstone Crown Court accused of murdering Roy Blackman, who died in his bungalow after being kicked, punched and stamped on.
The 73-year-old had at least 64 injuries and a brain injury which alone would have killed him.
This week jurors heard from two experts, who told how DNA from Love and William Smith, from Goldford, near Cranbrook – who was later shot dead by police – was linked to Mr Blackman’s house in Headcorn Road, Biddenden.
Love, of Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, denies murdering the elderly garage owner and bird breeder in March, and aggravated burglary at the home of champion clay pigeon marksman George Digweed and his wife Kate in Northiam, a month before.
DNA expert, Elaine Tucker, told the jury in her opinion traces of Love’s DNA were on a club hammer found in an orchard as well as other mixed traces from others.
Some of the items had been found after the raid at the home of the Digweeds and a Taser had Love’s DNA on it and, after test- ing, it was found had been wiped off by someone else.
Forensic scientist, Finlay James Kennedy, said bath taps at Mr Blackman’s home had been tested and results showed there was mixed DNA on them from three different people, plus Mr Blackman’s.
Simon Taylor, prosecuting, asked him: “There is blood on the hot tap and it was a major DNA profile match to Mark Love?” Mr Kennedy added: “Yes.” Mr Taylor explained to the jury there was a one in a billion chance it was someone else’s blood.
Mr Kennedy also said there was also DNA found on the cold tap.
Mr Taylor said: “Had Mark Love had direct contact with the taps at some time?” “Yes,” replied Mr Kennedy. Prosecutor Simon Taylor has previously told the jury William Smith was part of the gang involved in both offences.
Burglars who broke into Mr Blackman’s home escaped with a safe containing between £100,000 and £250,000. The safe has never been recovered.
The trial continues.