AN expert in DNA profiling has told how Jock Straiton’s blood was found on two defendants.

Forensic Scientist Dr Tiffany Taylor, from Chorley Forensic Science laboratory, gave evidence at Chester Crown Court, today, Tuesday.

She told the court that stains of blood matching Mr Straiton’s DNA profile were found on Joshua Spruce and Nigel Goolding.

No blood matching that of Mr Straiton was found on the third defendant, Paul Blower.

But she added that the evidence did not support or refute the alleged stamping or kicking.

A small spot of Mr Straiton’s DNA was found on the right knee of Spruce’s jeans and also on the right foot of his brown Lacoste trainers.

Spruce’s t-shirt was not stained.

Dr Taylor said that the traces found couldn’t determine the level of Spruce’s involvement in the alleged attack.

She told the court that she was informed Spruce had admitted to striking Mr Straiton and that it was possible to be involved in an assault but there to be no blood transfer.

A nine centimetre by seven centimetre stain matching Mr Straiton’s DNA was found on the left sleeve of Nigel Goolding’s black Henley’s t-shirt.

The stain was described as a ‘contact staining’. No staining was found on his shoes or jeans.

Dr Taylor said she wouldn’t have expected the stain to have come from a single left hand punch as Goolding described.

She added he would have found it difficult to wipe his left hand onto the left side of his body.

Stephen Meadowcroft, defending for Goolding, told the court that the reason for the blood on his client’s shirt was a result of him trying to stop Spruce from kicking Mr Straiton after Spruce had hit him.

Mr Meadowcroft then said Spruce pushed Goolding away resulting in the stain.

Dr Taylor agreed that this could be one possible explanation for the stain on Goolding’s t-shirt.

Mr Meadowcroft asked Dr Taylor if she expected there to be more blood on the defendants trainers in these circumstances.

It is alleged that the defendants kicked and stamped on Mr Straiton.

Dr Taylor said it was unusual for blood not to be on shoes. She said in a stamping scenario the blood would be pushed outwards.

She added that blood would still be found in the tread of trainers afterwards despite attempts to clean.

The case continues.