The defence honed in on potential DNA contamination from samples sent to a lab in New Zealand on day 40 of WA’s trial of the century.

During cross examination, defence lawyer Paul Yovich pointed out to Dr SallyAnn Harbison, who was on the stand for a second day, that when testing Ciara Glennon’s fingernail samples, four blank control samples were found to be contaminated with another woman’s DNA.

Forensic DNA expert Brendan Chapman joins us for this episode, and as he explains, this isn’t a ‘blow’ for the prosecution, and that was because, although the court heard two fingernail samples AJM 41 and 46 had been affected by contamination and showed a woman’s DNA unrelated to the case - Dr Harbison said the crucial left middle fingernail - AJM 42, which the state says contained Bradley Edwards’ DNA - was not affected by the contamination.

Brendan helps the podcast team discuss contamination, DNA and even a bit of ancestry on episode 40, he also answers some of your complex DNA questions, which have come up during the trial and left us scratching our heads.

If you have any questions for Brendan or any of the podcast team and guests, send them in to claremontpodcast@wanews.com.au.

The defence honed in on potential DNA contamination from samples sent to a lab in New Zealand on day 40 of WA&rsquo;s trial of the century.
During cross examination, defence lawyer Paul Yovich pointed out to Dr SallyAnn Harbison, who was on the stand for a second day, that when testing Ciara Glennon&rsquo;s fingernail samples, four blank control samples were found to be contaminated with another woman&rsquo;s DNA.
Forensic DNA expert Brendan Chapman joins us for this episode, and as he explains, this isn&rsquo;t a &lsquo;blow&rsquo; for the prosecution, and that was because, although the court heard two fingernail samples AJM 41 and 46 had been affected by contamination and showed a woman&rsquo;s DNA unrelated to the case - Dr Harbison said the crucial left middle fingernail - AJM 42, which the state says contained Bradley Edwards&rsquo; DNA - was not affected by the contamination.
Brendan helps the podcast team discuss contamination, DNA and even a bit of ancestry on episode 40, he also answers some of your complex DNA questions, which have come up during the trial and left us scratching our heads.
If you have any questions for Brendan or any of the podcast team and guests, send them in to <a href="mailto:claremontpodcast@wanews.com.au">claremontpodcast@wanews.com.au</a>.

Ever since the shocking deaths of three young women in 1996 and 1997, the unanswered questions surrounding the Claremont serial killings have remained one of the biggest mysteries in WA history.

Any hope of justice in the tragic deaths of Ciara Glennon, Sarah Spiers and Jane Rimmer seemed bleak for more than 20 years, with police coming unstuck and no sign of a breakthrough.

That was until the arrest of Bradley Robert Edwards in 2016, who was subsequently charged with the trio's murders.

For the past three years details about the allegations facing Mr Edwards have been in short supply as his case headed toward what has been dubbed the trial of the century.

Now, we bring you in to the courtroom and walk you through all the revelations, allegations and talking points as the historic court case unfolds.

Join our team of journalists and legal experts as we break down all the key information from the proceedings in Claremont: The Trial.

Ever since the shocking deaths of three young women in 1996 and 1997, the unanswered questions surrounding the Claremont serial killings have remained one of the biggest mysteries in WA history.
Any hope of justice in the tragic deaths of Ciara Glennon, Sarah Spiers and Jane Rimmer seemed bleak for more than 20 years, with police coming unstuck and no sign of a breakthrough.
That was until the arrest of Bradley Robert Edwards in 2016, who was subsequently charged with the trio's murders.
For the past three years details about the allegations facing Mr Edwards have been in short supply as his case headed toward what has been dubbed the trial of the century.
Now, we bring you in to the courtroom and walk you through all the revelations, allegations and talking points as the historic court case unfolds.
Join our team of journalists and legal experts as we break down all the key information from the proceedings in Claremont: The Trial.

CLAREMONT: The Trial

Another Woman’s DNA

After 20 years of hiding in plain sight, sadistic killer and brutal rapist Bradley Edwards will likely never leave jail and die without his freedom, after he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 40 years.

If he makes it that long, he will be 88, taking into consideration time served.

But that just means in 2060 he can apply for parole, it doesn't mean he'll be released.

As Justice Hall revealed his sentence, more than a year since his trial began and almost four years to the day since he was arrested, he told Edwards he would likely die in jail.

"You committed these offences as a much younger man and have had the undeserved benefit of your liberty for many years due to the fact that it took many years to identify you as the perpetrator," he said.

Those offences, he committed in his 20s, but one of his victims, who was 17 at the time bravely told of how the sadistic rapist's act 25 years ago changed her, but wouldn't define her. Her powerful words left even seasoned police officers holding back tears.

“the definition of a coward," The Karrakatta victim said.

“He preyed on weak, vulnerable young women who didn’t stand a chance."

“How pathetic. It has been much easier in terms of impact to realise there was no evil genius at work here, he slipped through the cracks because he is unremarkable.”

"And now I will leave this behind. I will leave this courtroom and finally go and live my life without you in it. I will live it joyously, respectfully and gratefully for myself, my family and for the lives that were lost. I will live and you won’t."

"And as one of the victims of your crimes, I hope you are treated as well in prison as you have treated us."

Even though he didn't give a life without parole sentence, Lee Rimmer, Jane's sister said he was happy, and WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson spoke for a community.

“It is my sincere hope, for the sake of the victims, for the sake of the families and friends and indeed for the safety of our community, that Edwards will never be released from prison,” Mr Dawson said.

In this final podcast, Natalie Bonjolo, Tim Clarke, Alison Fan and Damien Cripps digest, analyse and take in the sentence - and the case that's gripped the state for more than two decades.

After 20 years of hiding in plain sight, sadistic killer and brutal rapist Bradley Edwards will likely never leave jail and die without his freedom, after he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 40 years.
If he makes it that long, he will be 88, taking into consideration time served.
But that just means in 2060 he can apply for parole, it doesn't mean he'll be released.
As Justice Hall revealed his sentence, more than a year since his trial began and almost four years to the day since he was arrested, he told Edwards he would likely die in jail.
"You committed these offences as a much younger man and have had the undeserved benefit of your liberty for many years due to the fact that it took many years to identify you as the perpetrator," he said.
Those offences, he committed in his 20s, but one of his victims, who was 17 at the time bravely told of how the sadistic rapist's act 25 years ago changed her, but wouldn't define her. Her powerful words left even seasoned police officers holding back tears.
&ldquo;the definition of a coward," The Karrakatta victim said.
&ldquo;He preyed on weak, vulnerable young women who didn&rsquo;t stand a chance."
&ldquo;How pathetic. It has been much easier in terms of impact to realise there was no evil genius at work here, he slipped through the cracks because he is unremarkable.&rdquo;
"And now I will leave this behind. I will leave this courtroom and finally go and live my life without you in it. I will live it joyously, respectfully and gratefully for myself, my family and for the lives that were lost. I will live and you won&rsquo;t."
"And as one of the victims of your crimes, I hope you are treated as well in prison as you have treated us."
Even though he didn't give a life without parole sentence, Lee Rimmer, Jane's sister said he was happy, and WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson spoke for a community.
&ldquo;It is my sincere hope, for the sake of the victims, for the sake of the families and friends and indeed for the safety of our community, that Edwards will never be released from prison,&rdquo; Mr Dawson said.
In this final podcast, Natalie Bonjolo, Tim Clarke, Alison Fan and Damien Cripps digest, analyse and take in the sentence - and the case that's gripped the state for more than two decades.

THE SENTENCING: 'Coward' Edwards likely to die in prison

Join the Claremont in Conversation team in this special live event at the University of Western Australia.

Hear stories never told in court, anecdotes from sitting days and opinions from the journalists who covered the mammoth seven-month trial.

You'll also hear some details from Tim Clarke's book, Enigma of the Dark.

To get a copy, head to https://subscriber.thewest.com.au/enigmaofthedark?utm_source=TheWest&utm_medium=PromoCard&utm_campaign=ClaremontBookPreOrder&utm_term=order-now&utm_content=Content or find Enigma of the Dark on Amazon.

Join the Claremont in Conversation team in this special live event at the University of Western Australia.
Hear stories never told in court, anecdotes from sitting days and opinions from the journalists who covered the mammoth seven-month trial.
You'll also hear some details from Tim Clarke's book, Enigma of the Dark.
To get a copy, head to <a href="https://subscriber.thewest.com.au/enigmaofthedark?utm_source=TheWest&amp;utm_medium=PromoCard&amp;utm_campaign=ClaremontBookPreOrder&amp;utm_term=order-now&amp;utm_content=Content">https://subscriber.thewest.com.au/enigmaofthedark?utm_source=TheWest&amp;utm_medium=PromoCard&amp;utm_campaign=ClaremontBookPreOrder&amp;utm_term=order-now&amp;utm_content=Content</a> or find Enigma of the Dark on Amazon.

Enigma of the Dark: Claremont the Trial LIVE

Should Bradley Edwards be allowed to participate in rehabilitation programs in prison? Or should the prison just 'throw away the key'?

Legal expert Damien Cripps joins Natalie Bonjolo in this last episode until the sentencing, discussing how Edwards might be sentenced, and answer some of your questions.

Damien Cripps said Edwards' sentencing will be a difficult task for Justice Hall, and discusses several avenues of how the prosecution and defence will present their cases to the judge.

You've sent in some very interesting questions, and Damien Cripps gives his professional and personal opinion.

We'll be back on December 23 when Bradley Edwards is sentenced on The Huntingdale attack, Karrakatta rape, and Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon's murders.

Should Bradley Edwards be allowed to participate in rehabilitation programs in prison? Or should the prison just 'throw away the key'?
Legal expert Damien Cripps joins Natalie Bonjolo in this last episode until the sentencing, discussing how Edwards might be sentenced, and answer some of your questions.
Damien Cripps said Edwards' sentencing will be a difficult task for Justice Hall, and discusses several avenues of how the prosecution and defence will present their cases to the judge.
You've sent in some very interesting questions, and Damien Cripps gives his professional and personal opinion.
We'll be back on December 23 when Bradley Edwards is sentenced on The Huntingdale attack, Karrakatta rape, and Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon's murders.

Another Woman’s DNA

CLAREMONT: The Trial

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