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Jury told of forensic clues

From the archive, first published Friday 7th Dec 2001.

Forensic evidence linking two men to armed robberies at Oxfordshire massage parlours has been presented to a jury.

Peter Mackie, 30, and James Qualter, 34, are accused of robbing three parlours last December using a fake shotgun, a knife, a baseball bat and claw hammer.

They allegedly targeted addresses in Abbey Place, Oxford, on December 20, and London Road, Headington, on December 23. During a third raid in Millway Close, Wolvercote, on December 27, it is claimed they were foiled by a visitor who fought an armed man and pulled off his mask.

Forensic expert Raymond Jenkins told Oxford Crown Court yesterday that he analysed piping and paint recovered at the defendants' home in Harolde Close, Barton.

Piping was used to resemble a gun in the Wolvercote raid, and when Mr Jenkins pieced together bits found at the scene and in Barton, they fitted "like a jigsaw", he said.

He also said a footprint found in Wolvercote matched one of Mackie's shoes.

Mackie, now of Bulan Road, Headington, and Qualter deny aggravated burglary on December 20, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm on December 23, and attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm on December 27 in Wolvercote. The trial continues.

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