Norwich murder trial latest: Bloodied footprints found at scene of crime

Peter Walsh Friday, January 11, 2013
12.39 PM

The bloodied footprints of two women accused of torturing and killing a former city bus conductor in his own home were found at the scene, a court has heard.

Kelly Louise Barnes, 32, and Jodie Barnes, formerly Ramsbottom, 31, who are civil partners, are said to have brutally attacked and tortured 67-year-old Barry Reeve in a bid to get him to reveal his pin number so they could feed their drink and drug habits.

The couple, from Bixley Close, Norwich, who both deny murder, have gone on trial at Norwich Crown Court after the body of the former Eastern Counties Buses worker, was found by officers at a property on Corton Road, off City Road, on February 26 last year.

Delia Kingsbury, a forensic scientist who has an expertise in marks comparison, was called to give evidence today.

Karim Khalil QC, prosecuting, said footwear impressions that appeared to have been made in blood were found on the kitchen floor and on envelopes on the floor of the living room.

Mrs Kingsbury analysed a series of seven envelopes which were recovered from the lounge area bearing “shoe marks” and enhanced images of prints taken from the kitchen.

She said that in so far as the kitchen was concerned, there were a number of impressions left by footwear attributed to Kelly Barnes - a size seven pair of Nike training shoes - and a right toe impression from the size five Golddigga boots worn by Jodie Barnes.

While in the living room area impressions were left on envelopes matching footwear of both defendants.

In conclusion Mrs Kingsbury said there was “extremely strong” evidence to support the assertion that the footwear impressions found were made by Kelly Barnes’ footwear.

And as far as Jodie Barnes’ footwear was concerned she said the evidence was “conclusive”.

Neither Graham Parkins QC, for Kelly Barnes, nor Mukhtar Hussain QC, for Jodie Barnes, disputed the evidence.

The trial continues.