Condom traces put criminals at scene
A new technique being developed at Sheffield Hallam University means that forensic experts can prove sexual offenders have had contact with a condom and place them at the scene of the crime.
A new technique being developed at Sheffield Hallam University means that forensic experts can prove sexual offenders have had contact with a condom and place them at the scene of the crime.
The developments are especially welcome after there was a reported increase in the use of condoms by offenders, likely due to both the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and to prevent the transfer of DNA evidence.
Dr Simona Francese, from the university`s Biomedical Research Centre, said: Offenders are increasingly aware of forensic issues and it is common now for condoms to be used and removed from the scene of a sexual assault. However, they are less likely to consider the possibility of lubricant transferring onto their fingertips and then into fingermarks left at the scene.
If condom lubricant can be detected in fingermarks it would improve the evidence for the prosecution by establishing the assailants presence at the scene and, crucially, having had contact with a condom. This would enable forensic scientists to provide further support to the evidence in alleged cases of sexual assault.