DNA 'match' for shooting accused

The hooded top was found near the Marmion pub

DNA samples from gun parts, a mask and a hooded top all match a man accused of shooting dead a former boxer in an Edinburgh pub, a court has been told.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that a hooded top was found near the Marmion pub following a shooting in April.

Forensic scientist Mandy Bath said that DNA samples found on the jumper matched a sample taken from James Bain.

Mr Bain, 22, Richard Cosgrove, 21, and Bernard Young, 19, all deny shooting and murdering Alexander McKinnon.

Special defences

They further deny discharging a sawn-off shotgun at James Hendry and attempting to murder him.

Mr Cosgrove and Mr Young have lodged special defences to the shooting charges.

Mr Cosgrove claims that any involvement was only because he was acting under duress and in fear of his own life as a consequence of the actions of Mr Bain while Mr Young claims alibi.

On Wednesday, the court heard Ms Bath give evidence that Mr Bain's sample also matched DNA found on a plastic silver mask, pieces of a blood stained, sawn-off shot gun and blood stained gardening type gloves.

The forensic scientist said the results were consistent with Mr Bain having worn the mask.

Former boxer Alex McKinnon died after the shooting

She told Advocate Depute Alex Prentice that testing on another hooded top was consistent with it having been worn by Mr Cosgrove.

DNA which partially matched Mr Young was found on the silver mask, one glove and one of the hooded tops.

Earlier in the trial, a witness described seeing a gunman enter the Marmion Pub during the evening of 22 April wearing a black hooded top and silver mask.

Defence Counsel Donald Findlay, QC, asked Ms Bath whether Mr Bain's DNA could have been on the items if he had been beaten nearly to death by men wearing the gloves and using the gun as a club.

He also suggested that Mr Bain's DNA could have been transferred to the jumper and mask through contact with these men.

She answered that it was possible.

The trial continues.