10/08/07 (UK):
Fire Investigation Criticised By Expert Witness
|
|
A probe into a fire at an Aberdeen flat was not carried out properly, an expert witness has told a court. Fire and explosions expert Philip Reed was giving evidence in the trial of Kevin Smith, who denies wilfully setting fire to possessions at a flat in Torry, Aberdeen, endangering the occupants in the tenement building.
Mr Reed, a fire and explosions expert, told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that a bed frame and mattress should not have been removed from the bedroom before a full investigation was completed.
He said: "Once you remove items from the scene you have removed potentially vital evidence and you have lost it for all eternity."
Defence agent Ian Hingston asked him: "In your professional view is it possible that evidence was lost?"
Mr Reed, who has worked his way up through the fire service since 1978, said: "I would say it is not possible, it is probable. I can't see how they didn't lose evidence."
The court earlier heard from another fire expert that there was no "credible alternative" explanation for the fire other than it being started deliberately.
But Mr Reed told the court he did not accept this.
During cross-examination Fiscal Depute Helen Knipe asked the expert if it was possible the fire could have been started deliberately.
Mr Reed answered: "Yes, it is." But he also said it was possible it was accidental.
Smith, described in court papers as a prisoner in Aberdeen, denies a charge of wilful fireraising on March 8.
It was alleged three people were injured and damage was caused to the flat at 29 Kirkhill Road, Aberdeen, and its contents.
© X-Pro 2007
|
|
