Laurence Webb: Cameron Mansell; Australia: Bulletin The 'sacking' of Webb, a highly reputed West Australian scientist, over alleged DNA 'corner cutting' has Mansell, convicted of the 2010 murder of multi-millionaire Craig Puddy, contemplating a fresh appeal; Reporter Phil Hickey; The Canberra Times; May 16. 2017..."According to the ABC's 7.30 Report, Mansell has written to his Perth lawyer Tim Saayman in which he raises new concerns about DNA material used in the case against him. It follows revelations that one of the state's top DNA scientists was sacked for "cutting corners" during testing. Laurence Webb was reportedly involved in analysing DNA samples for dozens of major cases, including Mansell's. Mr Webb also gave evidence at Mansell's trial in 2011. "We need to remember there was a jury, that after hearing this large volume of evidence, they spent two full days on either side of the weekend trying to come to a verdict," Mr Saayman told the 7.30 Report. "There was obviously some discussion going on in there. "Some people weren't necessarily convinced even with the DNA material. Take out the DNA material, what would have happened?"

"The man convicted over the 2010 murder of multi-millionaire Craig Puddy is reportedly considering a fresh appeal in the wake of a DNA scandal at the state's forensic laboratory. Cameron Mansell was jailed for life in 2011 for murdering Mr Puddy, whose body has never never found. Prosecutors alleged Mr Puddy, 45, was killed at his Mt Pleasant home in May after he was confronted by Mansell, who he employed at a bar, about stolen money. However, Mansell's lawyers argued during the trial that he was at Mr Puddy's home when three thugs entered and killed Mr Puddy over a drug debt and then framed their client for the murder. Mansell is serving a minimum of 18 years in jail for the murder. According to the ABC's 7.30 Report, Mansell has written to his Perth lawyer Tim Saayman in which he raises new concerns about DNA material used in the case against him. It follows revelations that one of the state's top DNA scientists was sacked for "cutting corners" during testing. Laurence Webb was reportedly involved in analysing DNA samples for dozens of major cases, including Mansell's. Mr Webb also gave evidence at Mansell's trial in 2011. "We need to remember there was a jury, that after hearing this large volume of evidence, they spent two full days on either side of the weekend trying to come to a verdict," Mr Saayman told the 7.30 Report. "There was obviously some discussion going on in there. "Some people weren't necessarily convinced even with the DNA material. Take out the DNA material, what would have happened?""

http://www.busseltonmail.com.au/story/4665695/cameron-mansell-considering-new-puddy-murder-appeal-after-dna-bungle/?cs=7

See earlier post at the link below: "Laurence Webb: Australia: Significant Development: 'Unprecedented' forensic disaster; This leading Australian DNA scientist has been 'sacked' - and 27 criminal convictions placed in doubt to date - West Australian Attorney General John Quigley says..."Mr Quigley said Laurence Webb, the senior forensic biologist with the state-run pathology centre Path West, had been dismissed for failing to follow established protocols. He said Mr Webb's dismissal cast doubt on the convictions of at least 27 people, including those involved in a number of high-profile murder cases. Mr Quigley said Mr Webb was sacked in August 2016 following an investigations by Path West, but the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was not informed of the sacking until two days before Christmas. Mr Quigley, who became the state's Attorney-General two weeks ago, said he was only told on Monday this week. He described Mr Webb's sacking as a disaster that would have serious consequences."

 http://smithforensic.blogspot.ca/2017/03/laurence-webb-australia-significant.html

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy; Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog;