DNA found on a curtain pole an 83-year-old woman had used to fight off an intruder

Derry Crown Court heard today that a sample of DNA belonging to the accused was found on a curtain pole an 83-year-old woman had used to fight off an intruder who had forced his way into her Derry home.
Before the court is 50-year-old Thomas Burke of Eglinton Terrace who is charged with robbing the woman at her home on May 20 last year.
A forensic scientist Mr. Lawrence Marshall told the court how he scientifically examined the curtain pole and found what he described as ‘a mix sample’ on the hook end of the pole.
He said the sample indicated the DNA of the woman who owned the house, Burke and another unidentified one.
Under cross examination by Mr.Brian McCartney QC the scientist accepted that there could be cross contamination or secondary contamination.
He was asked was it possible that the sample could be on the pole through other means other than direct contact and he said it was possible but that it required numerous interferences.
Earlier the jury of 8 women and 4 men heard how the woman had tried to fight off the intruder who stole money from her and how he had hit her in the face causing her hearing aid to fall out.
The case continues