Forensics

Scores of convictions in doubt amid forensic test manipulation claims

Police fear scores of convictions may face challenges to their safety because of the suspected manipulation of forensic test results at a private laboratory in Manchester. 

James Vaughan, the national police lead for forensic outsourcing, said two employees of the testing services company Randox were under criminal investigation for allegedly perverting the course of justice after issues with test results emerged in January.

“We believe there are potential criminal acts that took place,” Vaughan said.

He said the investigation had grown, with the results of 6,000 samples under question. Scores of cases could be referred to the court of appeal, including rape and murder cases as well as more minor cases such as drug-driving, he added.