A determined Bromley detective has solved a 13-year-old burglary case despite vital evidence being shredded.
Although years since the case and despite the loss of crucial evidence, DC James Quigley used his own records to secure the conviction of a burglar who had left his victim severely traumatised.
After using his own evidence and electronic files from the case in 2010, DC Quigley managed to obtain new statements from the victim, witness details, E-fit evidence and other artefacts related to the offence.
Due to this, the victim, was able to identify the suspect via an ID parade which supported prior DNA evidence taken from the scene at the time and a further arrest in 2013.
As a result, Wayne Taylor, 68, of Sedgehill Road, Catford, was convicted for burglary dwelling with intent to steal on August 6, 2021.
On April 14, he was given a two-year sentence, suspended for two years.
DC Quigley said: “I had remembered this offence well and was always disappointed that we’d not managed to catch anyone for it, knowing the significant impact the incident had had on the victim.
"So when we were given a second chance at it thanks to the great strides taken by scientists working in the area of DNA, I knew I had to do everything possible to secure justice.
“And the small matter of a destroyed file wasn’t going to stop me.
“I just hope it shows the public that we don’t give up – no matter how much time has passed.”
The later convicted suspected, was arrested and later charged for possession of Cannabis in March 2013, and had his DNA taken.
Although there was a DNA match between the specimens taken in 2010 and 2013, it was not enough to secure a charge.
DC Quigley then went back through his own evidence to eventually convicted Taylor.
At the time of the burglary, Taylor had been disturbed by the victim returning home.
Brandishing a screwdriver, he grabbed and threatened her.
He fled the scene when a friend rang the doorbell, but such was the trauma from the incident that the victim had to give evidence via video link.
