The investigation into the murderer Colin Pitchfork is referenced in forensic courses around the world. Why? Because it was the first case where DNA screening was used. From the team responsible for this remarkable break-through, Lynda and Cass welcome Dr Tim Clayton. Tim discusses the cases of Colin Pitchfork, and later that of Colette Aram, and explains how they developed the DNA screening programme, its limitations and how it was refined into the crucial investigative tool it is today. 

Dr Timothy Clayton has close to 30 years of criminal casework experience in both the public sector, and after the closure of the FSS, in the private sector. He is an authority in the field of forensic biology and has an extensive research history as you’ll hear in this episode. In 2013, his work was recognized in the Queen’s New Year Honour’s List when he received an MBE for his contribution to forensic science and the administration of Criminal Justice. Tim is currently Senior Forensic Scientist at Eurofins Forensic Services, one of the largest private providers of forensic services in the UK: https://www.eurofins.co.uk/forensic-services/

Lynda's new novel Vanished is out on March 31st 2022 in hardback, ebook and audiobook. 

Discover more at: www.lyndalaplante.com/listening-to-the-dead/

 This podcast was made by Bonnier Books UK

 Host & Director: Jon Watt

 Producer: Laura Makela

 Sound Engineer: Chris Attaway

 Theme music: Game Over by Magic in the Other

 End music: Sweeney by Mike Relm