Convicted killer in long wait for DNA 'proof of innocence'

Published on Monday 20 July 2009 10:37

A MAN fighting a conviction for raping and murdering his ex-wife two decades ago is still awaiting new DNA tests he believes will prove his innocence nearly a year after his case was reopened.

John Robertson was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of raping and killing Selina Parkinson at her flat in Wester Hailes in 1988.

Campaigners backing his fight said they expect the results by the end of this month, with three DNA experts now conducting the work.

The 63-year-old, known as "Jocky", is said to be upset about the year-long wait to learn whether he could be exonerated of murdering a woman he claimed he "still loved" at the time of her death and could never harm.

Tests on samples taken from the victim have not been completed by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC), despite the watchdog agreeing to reopen his case last August.

The delay comes despite forensic experts receiving the samples before last Christmas in order to carry out the lab tests for DNA.

Their efforts were originally held up for a number of weeks after they were unable to remove a plastic seal from the sample.

Campaigners have accused the SCCRC of "dragging its heels" in conducting the lab tests on samples which were previously thought to have been lost.

John McManus, co-ordinator of Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (Mojo), said: "There are still no results despite the case being reopened a year ago. We're not being told anything by the SCCRC and have no idea why it should be taking this long.

"I believe they've got three DNA experts working on the tests and we're expecting the results at the end of this month. It's taking its toll on Jocky. Obviously he's been protesting his innocence for a long time and he just wants the chance to clear his name."

If the watchdog discovers the samples fail to link Robertson to the murder, its officials could apply to the Crown Office for a fresh appeal to be held.

The SCCRC was asked to re-open the case four years ago, but was told by lab experts from Lothian and Borders Police that semen samples recovered from the victim had been destroyed. Campaigners later learned that the samples had been found again.

Mojo has attacked the conviction as no forensic evidence linked Robertson to the crime. DNA testing was not available at the time.

Ms Parkinson's battered body was found in an advanced state of decomposition in the bedroom of her Wester Hailes Drive home on 7 June, 1988.

She had last been seen alive on 22 April when a witness claimed to have spotted her outside her flat with a man. The prosecution said the man was her former husband and that he must have been her murderer. Robertson was sent to Carstairs State Hospital after suffering a mental breakdown while behind bars. No-one at the SCCRC could be reached for comment.