Dandruff DNA 'link' to attack

Forensic DNA tests were used to analyse evidence

A teenager who allegedly carried out an attack on a young mother was caught by DNA found in dandruff in his baseball cap, dropped at the scene.

The 16-year-old - who admitted modelling his image on controversial US rapper Eminem - dropped the cap as he was chased by a passer-by.

Forensic clues: A DNA particle

Cardiff Crown Court heard the teenager attacked the woman in broad daylight in a park in Canton, Cardiff, as she pushed her baby in a pram.

Forensic experts found that flakes of dandruff found inside the cap were a match for the teenager's DNA.

The boy, who cannot be identified, has denied attempted rape and an alternative charge of indecent assault.

The defendant claimed that he had dropped the baseball cap while playing football in the park days earlier.

Marian Lewis, prosecuting, told the court: "He was chased by a passer-by and his baseball cap fell to the floor.

I was really worried he was going to do something to the baby

Attack victim

The police took it away and forensic testing discovered particles of his DNA within the baseball cap.

"He was arrested and told police he had lost a baseball cap the Saturday before the incident."

The teenager was asked by Miss Lewis if he liked to look like Eminem and he replied: 'Yes.'

When Miss Lewis told how Eminem wears a baseball cap and hooded top in his videos, the 16-year-old said: 'So I believe.'

The court was told that his alleged victim had heard footsteps behind her as she walked through the park.

'Screaming'

She said: "I could see a shadow on the floor. He came very close and I felt a thump in my back and an arm upon my neck.

"He pulled me to the floor and was pulling my coat. I was trying to protect myself and I kept screaming: 'No, no.'

"I was really worried he was going to do something to the baby. I hurt my knees and hands and I had bruises around my neck."

The case continues.