A PROJECT by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) looking at previously closed cases where advances in forensic science could now provide new evidence about the identity of an offender has moved into its second phase.  

The CCRC announced in April this year that it was analysing closed cases involving rape or murder from before 1 January 2016, to see where advances in forensic technology might reveal important new opportunities. 

The Ministry of Justice has since provided extra funding of £250,000 to allow the CCRC to recruit staff to work on the project. This recruitment process is ongoing, with new staff expected to start early next year.  

In the first phase of the project 5,500 relevant cases were identified in which applications to the CCRC had been turned down. Not all these cases raised a dispute about the identity of the offender.  

This phase is now largely complete, and 1,247 cases have so far moved through to the second phase. There are around 300 cases which require further information to carry out the phase one assessment. 

Phase two work is being completed by investigators who aim to identify cases where there are fresh forensic opportunities which could impact the safety of a conviction. This could involve cases where DNA technology has advanced since the individual was convicted, and forensic opportunities could now potentially exclude that person as the offender. 

Since first announcing this project, phase two has expanded to involve more investigative work at this stage, before moving to phase three. This could potentially involve a level of forensic testing or establishing what materials are available. Cases will move to phase three if important new evidence is found. 

Currently there are no cases that have moved through to phase three. This phase will re-open the case, and a Case Review Manager will move the process forward preparing for a potential referral to an appellate court.  

The identities of those involved in these cases will not be disclosed.  

A CCRC spokesperson said: “This is a huge task which requires substantial resources, but we have made significant progress since first announcing that the project was underway. 

“The next stages could take a considerable time; we do have a dedicated team working on it, and this is expanding, but we must balance this work with our important existing case reviews. 

“We are pleased that we have been provided with funding to recruit extra staff to support this project, and this will help the project progress more efficiently.” 

ONE of America’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested in Wales, 21 years after a double bombing in San Francisco.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was detained on Monday following a joint operation involving counter-terrorism officers, North Wales Police, and Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

San Diego, described by the FBI as an “animal rights extremist,” was apprehended at a remote property near woodland in rural north Wales. He now faces extradition to the United States to face charges related to two bombings in California in 2003.

Fugitive for over two decades

FBI Director Christopher Wray said:”Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years as a fugitive for two bombings in the San Francisco area shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.”

He added: “There’s a right way and a wrong way to express your views in our country, and turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way.”

The NCA confirmed San Diego was arrested at the request of US authorities. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday, where extradition proceedings began.

An NCA spokesperson said: “He was remanded in custody.”

First domestic terrorist on FBI’s most wanted list

San Diego, born in Berkeley, California, was the first alleged domestic terrorist added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list. The agency previously offered a $250,000 (£199,000) reward for information leading to his arrest.

He was wanted for allegedly bombing two office buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The first bombing occurred on 28 August 2003, outside the Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville, California. Authorities later discovered a second bomb at the scene, which detonated before it could be defused, raising concerns that it was planted to target first responders.

Less than a month later, in September 2003, a nail bomb exploded outside a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, California.

Long-standing charges

In July 2004, San Diego was indicted by the United States District Court in the Northern District of California for his alleged involvement in the bombings.

The case remained unsolved until this week’s arrest, ending two decades of pursuit by the FBI and law enforcement agencies across the globe.

PARENTS are being urged to reconsider purchasing e-scooters as Christmas gifts due to legal restrictions and potential risks. While the devices might appear to be a fun and exciting present, Dyfed-Powys Police caution that they could lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

In the UK, privately owned e-scooters are only legal to use on private land with the landowner’s permission. Riding them on public roads, pavements, parks, or cycle paths is prohibited and considered an offence. Parents should be aware that they could face prosecution if their child uses an e-scooter illegally.

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), meaning riders can be charged with several offences. These may result in fines of up to £300, six penalty points on a driving licence, and confiscation of the e-scooter. Drivers who passed their test within the last two years risk disqualification and may need to retake their theory and practical tests.

“Understand the rules and risks”

Sergeant Dave Mallin of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We understand that e-scooters may seem like a fun and exciting gift idea, but it’s important to understand the rules and risks that come with them. Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, or cycle paths. Their speed and silence can pose a significant danger to other road users and pedestrian safety, especially vulnerable pedestrians.

“Many people are unaware of the restrictions on e-scooters, and while retailers may be happy to sell one to you, it could be seized the moment you attempt to use it in a public place.”

Riders must also be over 16 and hold a full or provisional licence for a car, motorbike, or moped. While some parts of the UK operate rental e-scooter trials under strict conditions, these schemes are not available in the Dyfed-Powys area.

“Zero tolerance this Christmas”

Sgt Mallin added: “Dyfed-Powys Police operates a zero-tolerance approach to e-scooters, and we would urge parents to think twice about buying e-scooters as presents this Christmas. Consider a safer and more appropriate gift.”

For more information about e-scooter regulations and safe usage, visit Dyfed-Powys Police’s advice page.