Expert Witness Journal Issue 67 June/July 2026 - Flipbook - Page 111
The importance of
reinvestigating cold cases
by Forensic Access.
Channel 4’s recent 24 Hours in Police Custody
special has brought renewed public attention to
the role that forensic science can play in complex
investigations, especially within cold cases. James
Beard, Forensic Scientist at Forensic Access, features
in the 昀椀lming, and the programme provides a
glimpse of the work possible through new scienti昀椀c
methodologies and investigative techniques. It also
reinforces the importance of reviewing all available
avenues, including old lines of investigation and new
potential leads.
What is Forensic Biology?
Forensic biology is a key area within forensic
science. It covers the identi昀椀cation, examination
and interpretation of biological material that may
be relevant to a criminal investigation, including
blood, semen, saliva, hair and DNA. In practice, the
discipline goes far beyond the recovery of samples
or the production of a laboratory result. Biological
evidence must be considered carefully within the
context of the case, the circumstances in which it
was recovered, the potential routes by which it may
have been deposited, and the limitations of what the
昀椀ndings can properly demonstrate.
Broadcast on 13th and 14th April 2026, the
documentary follows the reopened investigation
into the 2013 murder of Una Crown, exploring how
forensic evidence contributed to the case many years
after her death. While the programme centres on
the investigation itself, it also highlights the detailed
scienti昀椀c work that underpins the examination,
interpretation and presentation of biological
evidence in complex cases.
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
Working with Forensic Biology Experts at
Forensic Access
James Beard is part of the Forensic Access biology
team and contributes to this work through both
casework and technical engagement. He has
featured in several Forensic Access webinars covering
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