Jurors in the trial of John Henry Sayers have been presented with forensic evidence, including a bloodstained machete and DNA analysis, as proceedings continue at the Old Bailey. Both Sayers and his son deny causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Forensic Scientist's Analysis of Machete and Pole
A statement from forensic scientist John Newell was read to the court. Newell examined a machete with a 42cm blade, 6.5cm at its widest point, noting “widespread bloodstaining” on both the handle and blade. DNA testing showed the blood was a billion times more likely to match Walter Patterson than an unrelated person. A swab from the handle indicated that Sayers senior's DNA was “represented to the extent he could be a significant contributor.”
Newell also examined a metal pole with bloodstaining, likely a DNA match for Patterson. However, he found no clear DNA evidence from either Sayers or his son on the pole, stating this did not determine if it was handled by one or both men.
Blood Evidence from Pavement and Clothing
A blood sample from the pavement on Fossway after the incident was a DNA match for John Henry Sayers senior. Newell also analyzed clothing found in a bin on Roman Avenue, allegedly worn by Patterson. The hoodie had heavy bloodstaining on the lower sleeves and a cut to the left cuff, likely resulting in an injury to the lower left arm or wrist. The jogging bottoms showed downward drips and spots, with a score mark possibly from a bladed article that did not penetrate and was unlikely to have caused serious injury.
Arson Attack and Police Interaction
Detective Sergeant Darren Davies testified that Sayers senior was spoken to about an arson attack and declined to provide CCTV footage or a statement. Police later obtained a warrant to seize the footage, which was shown to the jury. Pictures revealed significant fire damage to the front of a VW Golf. The court heard that Grant Curley, Patterson, and driver Grant Royal were prosecuted and pleaded guilty to an offense related to the arson.
Body-worn footage was played of an interaction between police and Sayers outside his home. Sayers signed a notebook stating: “I, John Henry Sayers, do not wish to provide a statement to the police in relation to the incident today because Northumbria Police are corrupt and colluding and protecting their informers who are to blame.”
Attacks on Family Vehicles
The court heard that vehicles belonging to other Sayers family members were attacked that night. Around 11:45pm, a Mercedes registered to Thomas Sayers was set on fire, and a VW Polo belonging to Thomas’s sister was rammed and damaged.
