To catch a criminal – a blood-sucking leech

Huw Borland, Sky News Online

A blood-swollen leech found at a crime scene eight years ago has led Australian police to an armed robber.

To catch a criminal – a blood-sucking leech

Forensic science researcher Sally Kelty said the case could be the first in which DNA extracted from a bloodsucker, like a leech or a mosquito, was used to solve a crime.

“It’s certainly unique and shows how the boundaries of DNA technology have been pushed since it was first introduced to Australia 22 years ago,” the researcher said.

The leech dropped off Peter Cannon as he and an accomplice tied a 71-year-old woman to a chair at her remote home in the Tasmanian woods in 2001.

Detectives found the leech and extracted blood they believed was probably from one of the two suspects. Cannon was identified as the culprit last year after he was arrested on unrelated drug charges and authorities recorded his DNA profile.

The 54-year-old pleaded guilty in the Tasmanian Supreme Court to aggravated armed robbery. He will be sentenced on Friday and faces a possible maximum of 21 years in prison. Detective inspector Mick Johnston, who was involved in the police investigation from the outset, said the leech was the only forensic evidence found at the house.

The officer said he was happy with the guilty plea, especially for the victim, Fay Olson.

“She’s waited a long time for closure to this matter and it’s nice to be able to deliver that,” Det Insp Johnson told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio. Police are still searching for Cannon’s alleged accomplice.

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