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Dando appeal based on gun residue Dando appeal based on gun residue
(about 1 hour later)
A single particle of gunshot residue is at the centre of an appeal by the man found guilty of murdering BBC presenter Jill Dando, senior judges have heard.A single particle of gunshot residue is at the centre of an appeal by the man found guilty of murdering BBC presenter Jill Dando, senior judges have heard.
It is the second attempt by Barry George, 47, to overturn his conviction.It is the second attempt by Barry George, 47, to overturn his conviction.
His lawyer, William Clegg, told the Court of Appeal George's conviction was unsafe because fresh evidence "neutralised" the firearms evidence.His lawyer, William Clegg, told the Court of Appeal George's conviction was unsafe because fresh evidence "neutralised" the firearms evidence.
George is serving life for shooting Miss Dando dead outside her west London home in 1999.George is serving life for shooting Miss Dando dead outside her west London home in 1999.
If the appeal judges decide the conviction is unsafe, they could order a retrial.If the appeal judges decide the conviction is unsafe, they could order a retrial.
Pocket liningPocket lining
Mr Clegg said during a search of George's flat nearly a year after the shooting police had seized a Cecil Gee coat. Mr Clegg said during a search of George's flat nearly a year after the shooting, police had seized a Cecil Gee coat.
One particle of firearm discharge residue found to be consistent with being produced by the fatal shot had been found on the lining of an inside top pocket, Mr Clegg said.
"Although there was clearly other important evidence in addition to the FDR [firearm discharge residue], the effect of neutralising the FDR evidence must be to render the conviction unsafe," he told the court.
JILL DANDO MURDER CASE 26 April 1999 Jill Dando is shot dead in west London25 May 2000 Barry George, also known as Barry Bulsara, is arrested29 May 2000 George is charged with murder2 July 2001 George is found guilty of murder and later sentenced to life in prison29 July 2002 George loses an appeal against his "unsafe" conviction16 Dec 2002 House of Lords refuses permission for further challenge20 June 2007 The Criminal Cases Review Commission grants George the right to another appeal Background to case Jill Dando: TV's golden girl Profile: Barry GeorgeJILL DANDO MURDER CASE 26 April 1999 Jill Dando is shot dead in west London25 May 2000 Barry George, also known as Barry Bulsara, is arrested29 May 2000 George is charged with murder2 July 2001 George is found guilty of murder and later sentenced to life in prison29 July 2002 George loses an appeal against his "unsafe" conviction16 Dec 2002 House of Lords refuses permission for further challenge20 June 2007 The Criminal Cases Review Commission grants George the right to another appeal Background to case Jill Dando: TV's golden girl Profile: Barry George
One particle of firearm discharge residue had been found on the lining of an inside top pocket, he added. Mr Clegg added that after the verdict there had been concern by some at the Forensics Science Service that the firearms evidence might have been given undue weight when placed before the jury.
"Upon examination it was found to be consistent with being produced by the shot which killed the victim," Mr Clegg said.
He told the court: "Although there was clearly other important evidence in addition to the FDR [firearm discharge residue], the effect of neutralising the FDR evidence must be to render the conviction unsafe."
George was in court for the opening of what is expected to be a three-day hearing.George was in court for the opening of what is expected to be a three-day hearing.
Dressed in a blue shirt and dark jacket, he spoke only to confirm his name.Dressed in a blue shirt and dark jacket, he spoke only to confirm his name.
Mr Clegg told the court a clinical psychologist would help George to follow proceedings as he had learning difficulties.Mr Clegg told the court a clinical psychologist would help George to follow proceedings as he had learning difficulties.
'Golden girl''Golden girl'
Outside court, George's sister, Michelle Disken, said: "We're very grateful to them that we can actually be back here today - and today we're hoping that we're going to get justice at last for Barry."Outside court, George's sister, Michelle Disken, said: "We're very grateful to them that we can actually be back here today - and today we're hoping that we're going to get justice at last for Barry."
In 2001, George was found guilty by a majority verdict of 10 to one after the Old Bailey jury heard forensic scientists had found a single speck of residue from the gun used to kill Miss Dando, 37, in the pocket of his coat.In 2001, George was found guilty by a majority verdict of 10 to one after the Old Bailey jury heard forensic scientists had found a single speck of residue from the gun used to kill Miss Dando, 37, in the pocket of his coat.
He lost his first appeal a year later.He lost his first appeal a year later.
When granting the second appeal in June of this year, the Criminal Cases Review Commission said too much emphasis had been placed on the speck of firearm discharge at George's trial.When granting the second appeal in June of this year, the Criminal Cases Review Commission said too much emphasis had been placed on the speck of firearm discharge at George's trial.
Described as the "golden girl of television", Miss Dando presented BBC programmes including the Six O'Clock News, Breakfast News, Crimewatch and Holiday.Described as the "golden girl of television", Miss Dando presented BBC programmes including the Six O'Clock News, Breakfast News, Crimewatch and Holiday.