05/09/2012 Spotlight

Could this man have been caught earlier? The rapist from Plymouth,

whose first attack was over 20 years ago.

Good evening. Shaun Harrison raped two women ten years apart. There's

now an investigation. Also on Spotlight tonight: Burn it or bury

Questions over how to deal with Devon's waste and where to do it.

And a community comes together in support of 40 Commando's imminent

Spotlight has learnt failings in the criminal justice system in the

South West meant an opportunity to catch a rapist was missed, leaving

him free for more than ten years after he could have been jailed.

The police believe Shaun Harrison, who is from Plymouth, may have

carried out other sexual attacks in that time. Harrison has now been

imprisoned for eight years for two rapes. The problem stemmed from a

failure to properly transfer DNA samples from crimes dating back

more than 20 years to a national database. One of the region's

senior MPs is to raise the issue with the Home Office. The police

watchdog is also investigating. Our home affairs correspondent brings

At the end of the 1980s, in the South West, came a crime so

shocking it made national headlines. In Plymouth city centre, as it then

was before the extensive redevelopment, early on a Friday

evening, a 16-year-old girl, raped by a stranger. She had arranged to

meet a friend in our old town Street at 7:45pm on Friday, 22nd

September. Amman began to pester her. He tracked her down an

alleyway beside Marks and Spencers and into a car park behind the

store where she was raped. The man was not caught. Until now. It could

have been much sooner. The story of how the attacker was finally

identified begins at Devonport police station in Plymouth. It was

here that a man walked in and confessed to being the rapist. He

was DNA tested and the samples sent for analysis. The results came back

negative. It was conclusive. He could not have been the attacker.

The old samples were in storage. Technology had advanced. Detectives

asked for them to be re analysed and checked against the national

database. This time came back dramatic news - there was a match.

This was the Photofit, released back in 1989, of the attacker. This

is the man now convicted of that rape - Sean Harrison. He was also

found guilty of another rape. We have learned he could have been

call more than 10 years ago. In 2000, he was arrested for drink-

driving and a routine DNA sample taken. The national DNA database

did not show a much to the 1989 rape. That was because the samples

had not been properly transferred to the records. He was subsequently

freed and the police suspect went on to commit further sexual

offences. I always had the feeling that, with the DNA being there,

this man would come forward at some stage. To find out that his

conviction has been delayed because of a delay -- a mistake by the

police force. The DNA is never put on to the national database. I feel

absolutely shocked and appalled that should have happened. It

should not have happened. Stewart Butler was a senior investigator

into the 1989 rape. He left the police before the error of not

transferring the DNA samples was made. He has moved away but we turn

to tummy his feelings about the case finally been solved. --

returned to tell me. I am so pleased the offender has been

identified and made to answer for his actions before a criminal court.

It will not take the pain away from the victim but it will allow her to

feel some sense of closure in the fact that justice is finally being

done. Following this case at Plymouth Crown Court, questions

remain. How many other historic DNA samples have not been transferred

to the national database? Is this a failing nationwide were just what

Devon and Cornwall Police? They need to go back to the beginning

and make sure the samples they have still got go on to the database now.

Beyond that, we need to understand whether other forces up and run the

country were also failing at that time and whether there are any more

samples which could be loaded on to the database now because it might

lead to solving crimes up and down the country. I feel that ought to

be an investigation into this matter. The police force ought to

put their hands up, admit to this. If there are other cases, there

should make sure there are other cases that have gone on. -- they

should. Devon and Cornwall is only one police force of 43. If others

have made the same mistake, it is a terrible indictment on the judicial

system. The Independent Police Complaints Commission is

investigating what went wrong and why harasser remained free, when he

could have been imprisoned. -- Harrison.

This afternoon in Plymouth I spoke to the police and asked for their

view of what when wrong, when. went wrong is the subject of an

investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. We

voluntarily referred the details of this case to them for them to take

a look at how things could have been done differently. We wish to

learn from the past. This investigation took place in the

contests -- the context of technology many years ago. Ever be

wrong for me to say what went wrong or otherwise. -- it would be wrong

for me. This man's DNA was not put on that database. I agree it was

not placed on that database but that was many years ago, when times

were different, processors were different. We seek to learn from

that following this case. Tribute must be paid to the victims in this

case for their resolve and their determination to support the police

through the case. Similarly to detectives, who have had to unearth

lines of inquiry for many years ago to bring together a prosecution

that has seen a very dangerous man in prison as a result of this

serious offence. You say lessons have been learned. It seems like a

very serious failing. In today's climate, it may be a fair point to

make. This happened 23 years ago. There was no doubt in my mind that

if the circumstances happen today, with the technology and processes

as they are, the relationships between the forensic service

providers, it would not be the same as it was in 1989. It begs the

question that if this DNA was not on that database, there could be

other offenders in the same position and other crimes we could

not solve. It is up to the IPCC to inform us whether that has happened.

There is no hiding place. If you commit crime and leave your DNA at

the crime scene, we will find you. We will not give up. This

demonstrates to victims and the public at large that things do not

get forgotten by the police. We will catch guilty people. You paid

tributes to the victims and the police officers a little earlier.

Do you apologise to those victims? I am not sure an apology is

necessarily appropriate. If the IPCC do we have failed in such a

way that warrants a writ -- an apology, we would provide it.

Hall joins us now from Exeter. How many other cases could there be

with this issue with not properly transferring DNA samples from

historic crimes? I understand they rub two more cases in Devon and

Cornwall where suspects have been identified. -- there are two more

cases. This is an issue which extends well beyond Devon and

Cornwall. It is a nationwide problem. That'll be the main thrust

of the Independent Police Complaints Commission report into

this. It is likely that, following their report, police forces across

Britain will then be told to review their historic and -- historic DNA

samples to find dead if they can find suspects following that. --

find out. In my report, they are more than 40 forces in Britain. If

each brought forward a handful of unsolved crimes and found suspects,

which could potentially see scores of unsolved cases now been solved

because of what has happened here in Devon and Cornwall with this

case. Other news: There is fresh anger tonight over

plans for rubbish to be buried or burnt at sites across Devon. The

county council is looking at expanding sites in six areas. They

include Roundswell near Barnstaple, Broadpath in Uffculme, Deep Moor,

near Torrington, Hill Barton at Farringdon, Greendale Barton at

Woodbury Salterton, and Heathfield, near Kingsteignton, and it is also

planning two new sites, one somewhere in South Devon and

Barry and John have lived in the East Devon countryside for nearly

40 years. They had hoped it would be an idyllic spot for a dream

retirement. Just over the hill is the waste centre that could become

an incinerator. Wondering what will happen each day. Not so tussled as

we were. I think we have had enough here. -- not so settled. We have

had our share of different development and planning

applications. In my retirement, I had hoped to just settle here, or

remain settled. I'm quite happy. have got enough problems out here

at the moment with smells of various sorts. There is an

industrial estate just down there. There is always something going on

down there. Burning of scrap metal, wire. Real acrid smells. Devon

generates 2.5 million tonnes of waste every year. It recycles

almost 60%. The county needs more room to bury, burn or recycle waste.

The council says incinerators are only one option. New technologies

are coming forward which will actually deal with waste in a

different way - less invasive on the residence. Generating energy

that can generate electricity and power, etc. Objectors like Barry

and John have been told the council will decide by next year what could

happen on each side. They are hoping their cries for help to not

go unheard. -- each site. It has been a beautiful warm day

across the South West. More on the weather in a moment, plus the

England and France united by la I will report on a special musical

performance about the Paralympics here in Weymouth.

A service is being held this evening for Royal Marines from

Taunton-based 40 Commando, who are heading off on a new tour of duty

to Afghanistan. It is a chance for local people to wish them well and

show support for the families left behind.

14 Marines lost their lives on the last deployment two years ago. Many

will be praying that everybody comes home safely after this

deployment. These Royal Marines are as prepared as they can be for what

lies ahead. We have with them when they travelled to the deserts of

California. -- we were with them. Not only to hone their skills with

live ammunition did get a taste of the searing heat they will face in

Afghanistan. It gave the new recruits an opportunity to quiz

older hands on what will combat is like, and what it is like to lose

friends. A picks saying amongst all this is, crime when you get home. -

- a big saying. The last talk of Afghanistan was brutally costly. 14

never came home. There is a memorial garden to them in the

grounds of the base. The majority of the men who will go this time,

who were training a few weeks ago on Salisbury Plain, are new. Then,

so has the task they face this time around. Less combat, more training

of the Afghan Army, to prepare them for when British forces pull out.

That, of course, carries its own dangers. There has been a marked

increase in the number of attacks by men dressed in Afghan military

uniform. The commanding officer of 40 Commando told us they were

prepared for that. Increasing at a enforce protection and employing

what we call a guardian angel. Even when we are relaxing, somebody's

there was on standby to react should the need arise. Close-

quarter combat fighting for real- life. It is an essential part of

preparing these men. -- fighting for your life.

The service is due to start in the next few minutes. Clinton Rogers

spoke to the vicar of All Saints a short time ago. Two years ago, I

have to say, there were far too many services of remembrance at

this church for almost will remains that sadly did not make it home.

I'm guessing the mood here tonight will be altogether more uplifting.

The man who has organised it all is the vicar of Norton bits Warren. It

has to be more uplifting. -- six Warren. It is sending the Royal

Marines off on this deployment. It is hoping they will be safe during

the deployment and safe coming home. Too many services of remembrance

last year. Far too many. If it took its toll on everyone. What form

will a Service take tonight? It is about light and hope and aspiration.

It is a very positive service. Very focused on being positive in going

out to Afghanistan honest employment. As well as the prayers,

a lighting of candles. One will be going to Afghanistan. There will be

lit regularly in Afghanistan. The others are going to various

organisations in the community. They were like them regularly as

well and think about the commanders and their families. How important

is it for them to stand together? - - the commandos. They are closely

linked. The whole of Taunton is. We have a caring community which wants

to express its concern and shows support. This is one way of doing

it in a practical way. A controversial dredging trial in

Falmouth Harbour is being branded inadequate by environmental

campaigners and fishermen. Details of the six-month experiment have

been revealed by the harbour commissioners. They are behind the

plans to dig a deep channel to attract more cruise ships to the

port. Ilfracombe will soon be guarded by a massive sculpture of a

The �20 million the �20 million plan has divided fisherman.

Wildlife and fishing grounds in one of the country's most beautiful

estuaries need to be protected. The Harbour Commissioners, the company

that runs the docks and others cuts a development of the port to allow

bigger ships to come alongside is vital to the economy of the port.

There will be very substantial benefits to local jobs and economy

for undertaking dredging in the approaches to Falmouth Port. The

future of the Connaught commercially is threatened if we do

not do that. This is the sea bed. The pink areas are tiny coral like

sea creatures, which a friend in themselves, which also provide a

habitat for dozens of other marine species. Falmouth is a Special Area

of Conservation. The dredging trial was designed to see what will

happen if it is removed and then put back. Protesters are concerned.

It is very small scale. It is several thousand times smaller than

a full-scale dredge. It is very short term. It is several hundred

times shorter the timing of disturbance than a full-scale

dredge. Unlike a full-scale dredge, there were not be a lot of sediment

drifting around in the water column four months after the trout is

carried out. It the full scale of dredging project goes ahead,

fishermen are worried that the proposed dumping of the toxic silt

into Falmouth Bay will affect their catch. I have spoken to so many

fishermen. They are on a knife-edge. Several of them have told me that,

if they lose 20% of their income as a result of this, then they go out

of business. That is how tight it is for fishermen. They could

potentially go out of business. dredging trial is due to start any

day a more last six months. A meeting last night was told it was

just one part of what will be taken into consideration before any full-

scale trading takes place. Ilfracombe will soon be guarded by

a massive sculpture of a naked, pregnant women. Verity, as she's

called by creator Damien Hirst, is 67-feet tall. North Devon

councillors have today agreed by ten votes to two that the bronze

figure could be positioned on Ilfracombe pier. The statue could

be in place by the end of October. Cycling is undergoing a bit of a

renaissance at the moment, thanks to the Olympics. To add to the

excitement, a new route opened today bringing north Devon and

France together. Not quite a bridge across the Channel but a missing

link through the south of the county is now complete. Drakes

Trail, which runs between Tavistock and Plymouth, has taken many years

to finish. It now forms part of the grand Cycle West network,

connecting Ilfracombe via the Roscoff ferry to Brittany, and

beyond. Brunel would probably be proud. His time of his getting a

new lease of life the 150 years after it has built. It is required

-- it has required a lot of work to get this relic into shape for its

new role and the tricks trail. is a dream come true for so many

people that have been involved in the project for many years. A lot

of tourists will come across from France to see what we have to offer

in Devon. We have always said we want Devon to be a cycling county -

the premier Si King County. I think we will achieve that. -- cycling.

15 months ago, there were cranes here. It was a meeting of two great

nations in a small Devon valley. Surely a good case of intent

cordiale. For 25 years, Angela Ripon lived a stone's throw from

this spot. We looked at the 60 ft sheer drop. Then across a wide open

chasm from that side of the valley across to the other side, with

nothing in between. The brand new �2 million Bridge allows cyclists

and walkers to safely across the county from north to south.

nearly got the ceremony delayed because we had to stop to take a

picture everywhere. I very much enjoyed it. Great to see it. These

trails bring a lot more in terms of health and well-being of people and

exposure to the countryside. It is a fantastic opportunity. Devon

county council hopes the new trial will boost tourism and encourage

people to appreciate the countryside. -- the new trail. Just

get on your bike! On to some sports news and, in last

night's Football League Trophy, Yeovil Town progressed to round two

with a 3-0 win at Bristol Rovers, to maintain their unbeaten start to

the new season. Three goals in the last 20 minutes settled the tie,

with Ed Upson involved in all three. He scored the first two and then

provided Sam Foley with the third in stoppage time. The only blot on

the Glovers' copybook was the dismissal of defender Jamie

McAllister. At St James Park, Exeter City's

trophy bid failed at the first hurdle. They were beaten by

Aldershot Town 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after the game finished

goalless. 18-year-old Jordan Moore- Taylor saw his penalty saved and

Steve Tully suffered the same fate when Aldershot goalkeeper Glenn

Morris also got the better of him. The Hampshire team duly took their

opportunity to go through. You can play cricket in 20 overs,

date at speed, and tell the complete works of Shakespeare in a

night, so surely the Olympics can fit into half an hour? This

afternoon adults with disabilities have been bringing their favourite

moments of the Games to life, as archery, gymnastics, sailing and

dressage were set to Metallica and Chopin. Johnny Rutherford tried to

keep up with the performers. Like all Olympics, it starts with an

opening ceremony and the athletes parade. This is a short dramatic

version done by adults with learning disabilities. Some of our

guys have been like this, with heads down. We have seen them

flower. They are better show men than any of us could be aid.

the Paralympics helped? They are absorbed with it, watching all the

time. Rhythmic gymnastics is one of the many sports the company put its

own dramatic twist on. As well as synchronised swimming,

weightlifting and dressage. The Olympics and Paralympics have been

inspirational. It has certainly caught the Olympic fever. You see

the Ordinaries Olympics and you see people who really do not have any

issues and any problems. The way they perform, and you compare them.

I think the Paralympics has been very inspirational. Really

inspirational for all sorts of people with all sorts of

disabilities. We could not be in Weymouth and not have sailing. They

may not have been any of world records today but for some of the

performers it was certainly a personal best. Excellent! An

excellent show indeed. Very good indeed. Absolutely fantastic. The

The Olympics have inspired so many people, haven't they? Justin Wallis

picks the first two weeks of September for a holiday. He always

This is the picture from Weymouth that the centre and to me this

afternoon with the Paralympic sailing. Find conditions for that.

We'll keep the fine conditions for the next few days. Settled and

sunny weather is continuing. On the satellite picture, a lot of clear

skies over the south of the UK. There is some cloud up to the north.

There is high-pressure keeping the weather fronts away. The centre of

the high pressure is across the southern parts of England for

tomorrow and lunchtime. A similar picture for Friday. Still the high

pressure and we will keep the clear skies, sunshine and light winds. A

lot of clear skies throughout the day. Some cloud bubbling up.

Generally a blue-sky story. If you have not made their outside, blue-

sky eyes across Dartmoor. A fine excuse for an ice-cream or two. --

skies. The you the index is moderate. Various ways to pull down.

Splashing about in a river is one of those. It looks as though we

will keep the fine unsettled weather for the rest of the week

and at least until the second half of the weekend as well. This

evening we will keep clear skies. With the clear skies can it will

turn fairly cool overnight, especially in some rural spots. The

chance of mist patches of light winds overnight. Minimum

temperatures around 11 Celsius. The inland areas will feel fairly cool

first thing tomorrow morning. Any mist soon disappearing and the sun

will warm things up. We will keep the blue skies and sunshine again

tomorrow. Pleasantly warm in the sun. Highs of 20 Celsius along the

coast. In the Isles of Scilly, dry and sunny. Lighter winds to come

for the rest of the week. Times of For the surface tomorrow, generally

flat conditions in the south coast. If you find any surf, it should be

clean with light winds. A very promising outlook as well. If you

are enjoying the sunshine, we will keep that for the rest of the week.

Very light winds on Friday the stock a chance of fog developing

Thursday night and into Friday. -- on Friday. They will keep the

sunshine to at the weekend. Still light winds and very warm

temperatures to come. -- throughout the weekend. Further east, still