Leech links man to robbery eight years ago

A LEECH found at a crime scene eight years ago led Australian police to a man who admitted robbing an elderly woman in 2001, officials said yesterday.

Forensic science researcher Sally Kelty said the case is the first in Australia — and possibly the first ever — in which investigators have used DNA extracted from a bloodsucker like a leech or mosquito to solve a crime.

“It’s certainly unique and shows how the boundaries of DNA technology have been pushed since it was first introduced to Australia 22 years ago,” she said.