Unlike DNA, Fibres CAN Fly Around the Room

Published: March 23, 2020, 10:59 a.m.

After a 10-day break, WA’s trial of the century resumed - with strict and widespread cleaning and social distancing measures to ensure this mammoth trial can continue. Compared to previously in the trial - when the public gallery was packed to the point  a separate room was set aside for overflow - one person from the public was in court. And what they heard was the beginning of the fibre evidence, which focussed on Jane Rimmer’s hair mass. Fibres are critical to the prosecution to link Ciara Glennon’s fingernails - which they say contained Bradley Edwards’ DNA - to Jane Rimmer and the Karrakatta rape victim. Without any DNA evidence linking Jane to the accused, or any DNA evidence at all, the prosecution say 22 critical fibres were found in Jane’s hair, which came from specially made Telstra pants that Bradley Edwards would have worn in the mid 90s. They say those fibres got there through Bradley Edwards taking Jane in his car, and getting close enough to her when he was killing her. The defence, however say contamination is also the way those fibres got into Jane’s hair mass. If you’re just joining the trial now, you can start from season 2, episode 1, or our special two-part catch up, called JUMP IN NOW: Claremont the Trial Catch Up Part 1 and 2. If you have any questions about the trial for any of the guests, send them in to claremontpodcast@wanews.com.au Join Natalie Bonjolo, Tim Clarke and Forensic expert Brendan Chapman as they discuss day 60.