Independent review of the Forensic Science Service

The independent review into the work carried out by the Forensic Science Service (FSS) during the police investigation into the death of Damilola Taylor will be led by a QC and leading forensic scientist, the Home Office has announced.

On August 9 2006, brothers Ricky and Danny Preddie were found guilty at the Old Bailey of the manslaughter of Damilola Taylor, at which time the Home Office issued a statement announcing an independent review into the FSS’ handling of the case.

Alan Rawley QC and Professor Brian Caddy have both accepted the Home Secretary’s invitation to carry out the review, concerned with establishing an agreed set of facts and time-line of the FSS’ examination of evidence following the death of Damilola Taylor.

The review will make recommendations to the Home Secretary on the need, or otherwise, to re-examine forensic evidence in other comparable cases. It will also make recommendations to the Home Secretary and the Board of the FSS on whether changes are required in examination procedures and the recruitment, training and management of forensic scientists by the FSS.

The review will also make recommendations to the Home Secretary on the future role of the Forensic Regulator in the oversight of standards applicable to all suppliers providing forensic services to the Criminal Justice System within the UK.

Alan Rawley QC is an extremely experienced barrister, having been called to the Bar in 1958. He has acted for both prosecution and defence in criminal casework, has been a Recorder of the Crown Court since 1972 and is a member of the Criminal Bar Association. Since 2000, Professor Brian Caddy has been Emeritus Professor of Forensic Science at Strathclyde University. He is an authorised forensic scientist under section 26 of the Criminal Justices (Scotland) Act 1980.