Murder victim's DNA found on accused, court hears

The DNA of murdered schoolboy Alan Higgins was found on the clothes of the teenage accused, a jury at the Central Criminal Court has heard.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies murdering Mr Higgins (aged 17) of Carraroe Avenue in The Donaghies, Donaghmede on October 13, 2002 outside UCI cinema, Coolock in Dublin’s north side.

The accused also denies robbing the victim’s mobile phone, a red Nokia 3310, and a sum of cash on October 12, 2002.

Dr Dorothy Ramsbottom, forensic scientist with the Department of Justice has told the court that the DNA profile of the accused was generated on July 22, 2003.

These results proved that the accused’s jean pocket contained DNA of Mr Higgins.

Last week Anthony Whelan and Michael Maher pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Alan Higgins.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Henry Abbott.