Devon and Cornwall Police, Major Crime Investigation Team

This investigation concerned the murder of an elderly lady. My initial discussions with the Police Authority sought my opinion as to whether additional evidence could be obtained from their working hypothesis that, electrical appliances may have been used by the accused person, to remove evidence (clean the property) from the scene.

My instruction included the analysis of electrical usage during a specific time-line.

Client comment:

“This investigation related to the murder of an elderly lady by her Grandson. The defendant broke into the victims house and killed her while she was in bed. Central to the investigation was the initial lack of forensic evidence linking the defendant to the killing, a clean-up was suspected. After identifying a peak in electrical usage at the property in the early hours of the morning the expert opinion of Mr Kelly was sought. Mr Kelly was able to provide evidence that this electrical usage could have only been caused by the washing machine and tumble dryer. In turn this lead to further forensic examination of the items.

This examination found the defendants DNA and victims blood within the appliance.

The report produced by Mr Kelly was clear, concise and his evidence not challenged during the trial. It was a pleasure working with Mr Kelly and I would have no hesitation in using his services again should the need arise.”