If a suspect was not tried, or was acquitted, the sample had to be destroyed and the profile removed from the database.

ECONOMIST: DNA evidence

Among the forensic files there was a sample of semen which was DNA tested and showed a profile matching Sinclair's.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Edinburgh, East and Fife | A life of abuse, rape and murder

She said a sample taken from flooring at the home of David Parker, 38, contained DNA matching his profile and that of fellow accused Paul Smith, 47.

BBC: Lynda Spence