October 08, 2008

Liam Reid prints found on Emma Agnew's car, court told

Emma Agnew murder trial, Day Three. By David Clarkson

Fingerprints from murder accused Liam James Reid were found on the window and rear passenger door of the car belonging to Emma Agnew, the profoundly deaf woman he is accused of raping and murdering, the High Court was told today.

The evidence was given by Detective Constable Craig Johnson on the third day of 36-year-old Reid?s trial before Justice Lester Chisholm and a jury.

Detective Constable Johnson told of the recovery of the car from Bromley Park in Christchurch, where an attempt had been made to set it alight.

After testing at the scene it had been removed to a vehicle testing area at the police station where it had been examined closely and further tested while being stripped.

There was fire damage in the driver?s area, and the windows were discoloured by smoke.

Questioned by crown prosecutor Brent Stanaway, he said fingerprint ?lifts? had been taken on November 16 and 17, the two days after the car had been found.

The accused?s prints were found on the window and the door of the rear passenger door, and a pubic-like hair, identified by DNA testing as being highly consistent with coming from the accused, had been found in the car.

He said Luminol testing had been carried out but no areas in the car showed positive for blood.

The defence questioned Detective Constable Johnson closely about the measures taken to protect the evidence associated with the car, and ensure it was not contaminated.

The court has earlier been told that Miss Agnew had for sale signs taped in the windows of the car.

Reid denies charges of raping and murdering Miss Agnew, and raping, sexually violating, robbing, and attempting to murder another woman in an attack in Dunedin nine days later. The defence says he was not involved in either crime.