Forensic Access Newsletter - "Benchmark"
January 2009
Profile of Clare Stangoe - Principal Biologist – Homicide and Serious Crime Specialist
Professional Experience
Clare started her forensic career with Forensic Alliance Limited (which merged into LGC Forensics in 2006). During her time at these organisations she moved from a Forensic Examiner to Lead Scientist.
Specialisms
Clare has specialised in investigating homicide crimes and those of a sexual and violent nature. As a forensic biologist she is interested in biological material: searching for it, identifying it and its origins, interpreting how it got to where it was found (for example, how it was transferred from one person to another). In particular she has expertise in:
- the examination of crime scenes, especially murder scenes;
- chemical enhancement and interpretation of bloodstain patterns (“BPA”);
- directing and conducting detailed laboratory work on exhibits and samples, including:
- the assessment of the significance of scientific findings in the context of the case;
- the preparation and presentation of both written and oral evidence to Courts of Law.
All this experience is invaluable when working for the Defence.
Cases
Clare has worked on a wide variety of cases for the Prosecution and Defence. Her Prosecution work over the last few years concentrated on the investigation of murder and sexual assault cases including the rape and murder of 17 year old Jeshma Raithatha in London. Clare worked on this case from beginning to end: attending and examining the crime scene and all the way through the forensic examinations and investigations. Her work culminated in two days of cross examination at The Old Bailey during the trial, and subsequent conviction of Latvian, Viktors Dembovskis.
Recent Defence cases include R – v – Castree (tried at Leeds Crown Court) and the recent R –v- Kohli (tried at Winchester Crown Court).
Clare says, “In all casework, whether for the Prosecution or the Defence, our aim is to appraise the case as a whole and to incorporate all relevant scientific disciplines in considering all worthwhile avenues.”
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
BSc (Hons) Immunology & Pharmacology, MSc Forensic Science. Registered forensic practitioner by the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) in Human Contact Traces: Blood Patterns, Body Fluids & DNA [CRFP ceased trading on 31 March 2009]. Clare is also a member of The Forensic Science Society.
Clare Comments:
“Working on Defence cases, after so many years of working for the Prosecution, has been very interesting. Having worked, so recently, on Prosecution cases gives me a current knowledge of best practice in the area and an appreciation of recent developments. Carrying out Defence work has given me experience of a wide variety of case types. The different approaches by forensic science providers and their scientists’ has also given me unique experience and skills to offer a truly objective analysis of forensic investigations and their presentation in court.”
< next article >
|
