Dodgy DNA testing casts doubt on thousands of criminal convictions

A scathing report handed down by a six-moth Queensland Commission of Inquiry into the state's DNA testing methods, systems and processes has put thousands of convictions at risk of being overturned on appeal.

Convicted murderer Andrew Cobby is the first who has announced an appeal in relation to the DNA practices at Queensland Health's Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS) lab. 

He was found guilty in 2021 of murdering his estranged wife Gaylene Cobby, known as Kym, by bashing her to death with a hammer and strangling her. 

The hammer – a key piece of evidence will now undergo further testing as Mr Cobby awaits the decision regarding his bid to appeal. 

Findings of DNA Inquiry