Shoe experts give evidence to murder trial

Mon, 09 Aug 2010

Adidas Chile 62s, similar to the pair owned by Simon Paul Leece

A murder trial has heard from two experts in shoe markings.

Graham Stuart Baxter, a forensic scientist based in Chorley, was sent a pair of Adidas trainers belonging to Simon Paul Leece by the prosecution.

Mr Baxter believes the trainers were those which left an impression at the scene of a fire in Peveril Street.

George William Walker, an independent forensic scientist, believes the shoes could have made the marks, but can't be sure.

Over a quarter if a million of the Adidas Chile 62 trainer has been sold in the UK since 2005. Mr Baxter says this is a relatively small amount compared to some styles.

Leece denies starting four fires in Douglas in March last year, including one on Demesne Road which caused the death of sixty one year old Terry Losh.

The trial continues.