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DNA test catches firebomber
Page 7
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DNA FROM a gangland-style shooting suspect proved to be the "billion-to-oneevidence needed to end a five-year arson spree.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how a Northumbria police squad was set up after the first attack in 1998. Officers found themselves dealing with 17 fires at CV businesses; 10 remain unsolved.
John Mackell. 55, of St John's Court, Newcastle, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of arson and one of attempted arson. He was convicted on six of the arson charges by a majority verdict. His nephew, John Loxley, 33, also of St John's Court, was found guilty of one count of arson.
The court heard the attacks caused an estimated£5m of damage. Mackell visited the sites during the day and removed bolts from the security gates. He then returned in the early hours, smashed vehicle windows, poured in petrol, and threw in lighted matches.
The breakthrough came when Mackell was arrested for shooting a 40-year-old Newcastle man. He initially refused to give a DNA sample,but detectives obtained one. Although he was later acquitted of a conspiracy to cause GBH, his DNA linked him to a bottle used in one of the arson attacks.
Tests later found Loxley's DNA on matches at one of the fires. Christopher Knox.prosccuting.said there was a one-in-a-billion chance the DNA did not belong to Loxley.
Both men were remanded in custody for sentencing in April.