Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sisters' fingerprints were found at house

Rachel Borrill
Thursday 16 July 1992 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THE FINGERPRINTS of two sisters accused of murdering a bank clerk were found in the victim's house, the Old Bailey was told yesterday, writes Rachel Borrill.

Eric Milne, a fingerprint expert from Scotland Yard, told the court that he found Michelle Taylor's prints on the banisters and Lisa Taylor's on the front door of Alison Shaughnessy's house. 'They took to the powder easily which suggests they were relatively fresh, probably 48 to 72 hours old,' he said.

Michelle, 21, and Lisa, 18, of Forest Hill, south-east London, both deny murdering Mrs Shaughnessy, 21, of Battersea, south-west London on 3 June 1991. She had been stabbed 54 times. The prosecution alleges that Michelle killed Mrs Shaughnessy because she was having an affair with her husband, John.

Mr Milne said he examined the house on 4 June and found three of Michelle's fingerprints on the banisters. A print of Lisa's left finger and thumb was found on the inside of the front door. Mr Milne said they could have been made as she closed the door. Although the prosecution alleges that Lisa had never been to the house before the murder, she claims that three months before the murder she cleaned Mrs Shaughnessy's windows.

The trial continues today.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in