Anger at DNA database blunder

Alexandra Wood

A former police authority chairman has railed at the “iniquity” of the controversial DNA database after a teenager’s details were taken in a “clear-cut case of mistaken identity.”

Joshua Stevens had a mouth swab taken for DNA, as well as fingerprints and mugshot, after being wrongly arrested in connection with an assault on a 14-year-old girl.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 15-year-old from east Hull was held for 15 hours, despite his parents’ pleas that officers had got the wrong boy.

Coun Colin Inglis is raising the issue at Hull Council this week after Humberside Police stated that the youngster would have to apply to remove his details from the database.

Coun Inglis, former chairman of Humberside Police Authority, said: “If the police are accepting this boy did absolutely nothing wrong then they should be making every effort to correct the impact their actions have had on his life.”

Humberside Police is investigating.

Joshua’s family are taking legal action for compensation.

His father, Alan, said the incident had left them traumatised.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “We haven’t faith in the police any more now we know they haven’t done checks.”

Humberside Police said: “We have spoken to the family affected and have apologised.

“As this case is currently subjudice, we are not able to comment further.”

Related topics: