DNA of man found on girl's diaper, court told

GEORGE TOWN - A forensics chemist told a George Town Sessions Court here today that the DNA of a man charged with sodomising a three-year-old girl last year was found on the child's diaper.

Padillah Yahaya, who was testifying as a prosecution witness, said the accused S. Mahendran's DNA that was collected from his underwear matched the DNA found on the diaper. She said the chances for the same DNA profile to belong to somebody other than the 24-year-old accused were extremely low.

"A DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis is very accurate if the procedures for it are properly followed," she said when questioned by deputy public prosecutor S. Selvaranjini yesterday.

Padillah, who works at the Department of Chemistry's Penang branch here, however admitted that the source of the DNA could not be determined whether it came from semen or hair. She also said the DNA samples collected from Mahendran and the victim were put in 16 envelopes and brought to the department by police for tests.

When she began the tests, the evidence was untampered, she said. Mahendran, a storekeeper, is being charged with sodomising the girl, who is now four, in a house in Bayan Lepas near here between 12.50pm and 1.20pm on Aug 4 last year.

Currently released on a RM15,000 bail, the man faces up to 20 years in jail and whipping if convicted under Section 377C of the Penal Code. He is represented by lawyer R.S.N. Rayer.

Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah fixed Nov 20 and 21 for hearing to continue.