Court 'Accused's DNA found on rape and murder victim's clothes'

SAMPLES taken from the clothing of an elderly woman found dead in her home in 1967 provided a billion-to-one DNA match for the man accused of raping and murdering her, a court heard.

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Ryland Headley is accused of forcing entry into the home of Louisa Dunne, pictured inset, 75, in Easton in June 1967 before sexually attacking and fatally strangling her. Police launched an investigation after the mother-of-two's body was discovered by neighbours on June 28 that year, with officers identifying a palm print on a window of her house.

They also took samples from Mrs Dunne's body and kept her clothing to await advances in forensic science. A post-mortem examination concluded that Mrs Dunne died overnight between June 27 and 28, with a pathologist finding that a hand had probably been forcibly held over her mouth.

Bristol Crown Court heard that in 2023 forensic scientists tested clothing and swabs and were able to extract DNA profiles for further examination, which matched Headley, now aged 92.

Forensic scientist Andrew Parry said he had examined swabs and tape samples taken from Mrs Dunne's body, pubic hairs, and items of her clothing.