Forensic biologist gives views on bloodstains

Dundee double murder trial hears interpretation of scientific evidence

A forensic biologist told a double murder trial yesterday that scientific findings made in the wake of the deaths could be explained by the alleged killer having repeatedly struck a man and woman with a knife or similar sharp object.

Sarah Pheasey said forensic scientists had been told that Ronald Kidd and Holly Alexander were partners who lived at Rosefield Street in Dundee.

They were also informed by police that alleged murderer Krzysztof Gadecki was known to the couple and had visited them previously to tattoo the deceased.

He had been detained with a cut injury.

Ms Pheasey, 47, who works for the Scottish Police Authority in Dundee, told the High Court in Edinburgh that part of her job was to attend at crime scenes and to carry out analysis and DNA profiling.

Advocate-depute Bill McVicar asked her about a report prepared on scientific evidence, and she said: “Taken together, the above scientific findings could be explained by Krysztof Gadecki having repeatedly struck Ronald Kidd and Holly Alexander with a knife or similar sharp implement as alleged.”

Gadecki, 38, has denied murdering Mr Kidd, 40, and Ms Alexander, 37, at their home in Rosefield Street between December 8 and 11 last year.

He has lodged a special defence of self defence, claiming he was assaulted by the deceased.

He is also charged with stealing a set of keys, three watches, a pocket watch, a silver chain, a flask, two wallets and contents, money and drugs from the house in Rosefield Street.

He is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by putting clothing in a washing machine and disposing of training shoes and a mobile phone.

Ms Pheasey told the court that a pair of black trousers taken from a washing machine at a house in Dundee were examined and extensive contact bloodstaining was found on the front and back of them.

DNA matches for Mr Kidd and Ms Alexander, as well as Gadecki, were found on analysis, the court heard.

The trial, held before Lord Boyd of Duncansby continues.

Holly Alexander and Ronald Kidd.