The Privy Council quashes murder conviction

The Privy Council quashed the murder conviction of Julian Washington on 31 October 2024, in a judgment which reminded expert witnesses of their duties to the Court.  In Mr Washington’s case, it was discovered that the DNA evidence used to convict him was deeply flawed and of such poor quality that no interpretations should have been made. At the time, the laboratory providing the DNA evidence conducted all DNA analysis for the Bermuda Police Force. As a result of Mr Washington’s case, the DPP in Bermuda is to conduct a review of all cases over a six year period where DNA evidence resulted in a conviction.

Amanda Clift-Matthews appeared on behalf of the Appellant, led by Icah Peart KC of Garden Court Chambers and instructed by The Death Penalty Project.

The judgment is available here.

Read more in the press release by The Death Penalty Project here.

Media coverage includes The Justice Gap and The Royal Gazette.