Daniel Ambler murder trial: Jury hears from blood pattern forensic expert
The forensic expert was questioned by prosecution barrister
The jury in the murder trial into the death of Daniel Ambler have been hearing from a forensic scientist who specialises in blood pattern analysis.
Daniel Ambler, who was 23, suffered serious injuries at the Esso Asda Express service station, in Stockton Road, Seaham, at around 4.50pm on January 15 and died at the scene.
Durham Constabulary officers responded to reports of a collision between a car and pedestrian and Daniel was sadly pronounced dead.
Barry Anderson Snr, 52, of Canon Cockin Street, Hendon, Sunderland, Barry Logan Anderson, 19, of Nursery View, Shotton Bank, and Ashton Anderson, 20, of Ryton Street, Seaham, were all named by Durham Constabulary at the time after they were charged with murder and violent disorder.
Two teenagers who could not be identified at the time can now be named after turning 18 as the trial judge has lifted reporting restrictions.
Tyler Leadbetter, of Elgin Avenue, Seaham, and Ajay Henry, of Melrose Crescent, Seaham, are both also charged with murder and violent disorder.
Before the collision with the Nissan car, which prosecuting barrister Mr Donkin claimed was being driven by Ashton Anderson, he alleged that Daniel was initially attacked by Barry Anderson snr and his son Barry Logan Anderson, an attack which initially began on foot at a bus stop.
Mr Donkin alleged a weapon was used in that attack, with a hammer later found in Barry Anderson snr’s Mercedes car.
When questioned by Mr Donkin as to whether there was any DNA evidence found on the hammer suggesting it was used as weapon, Ms Harris confirmed no blood, hair, or skin was found on the hammer.
She added: “There was no DNA evidence the hammer was used as a weapon and no blood attributed to Daniel Ambler.”
However, when questioned further as to whether this completely ruled out the hammer having been used, she added: “Depending on where a blow was to strike, the absence of DNA does not necessarily mean it can’t have been used.”
Following the initial alleged attack, Mr Donkin previously told the court how Daniel had run to the forecourt of the garage, before CCTV footage shown to the court showed him being struck by the Nissan car.
Ms Harris confirmed to Mr Donkin that Daniel’s DNA was identified on the forecourt and there were trails of drips of blood on the forecourt and surrounding area and the “logical explanation was they were from someone bleeding freely”.
The jury was also shown footage of an altercation taking place between the defendants and associates of Daniel outside of the Mallard pub as Daniel ran away.
The footage showed the car which the prosecution claimed was driven by Ashton Anderson being driven into the wall of the pub before Ashton appears to become involved in this altercation before getting back in the Nissan.
Ms Harris confirmed blood found inside the front driver’s door matched the DNA of Ashton Anderson.
All the defendants have denied murder and violent disorder.
The trial continues.