Anthony Sinclair

Background

Anthony Sinclair was prosecuted in connection with the murder of Paul Kingsley, a nine year old boy. Paul Kingsley never turned up to Scouts one evening and did not return home that night.

The offence

Paul Kingsley’s body was found soon after having been violated and strangled.

Investigation

Evidence was scarce and the case was investigated for a long time.

It was noted that some fibres that were found on the clothes of Paul did not belong to him or to any of the clothes in his wardrobe. The fibres were analysed and were found to have originated from a factory in Switzerland.

The last act was described by the pathologist as forceful. The pathologist also said that it was not the first time Paul had engaged in homosexual acts as a passive partner and that he had “endulged frequently in the past.”

The investigation identified that the only people using that type of carpet fibre in that particular shade in Britain were a commercial company. It was then discovered, after a long period of detective work, that an off-cut had been used to carpet Anthony Sinclair’s car. In conjunction with other circumstantial evidence, this forensic evidence led directly to the arrest of the accused, and finally to his conviction.

Arrest

In conjunction with other circumstantial evidence, the forensic evidence based on carpet fibre material led directly to the arrest of Anthony Sinclair.

Trial

Anthony Sinclair was found not guilty of murder.

The way in which Sinclair was found guilty was based on forensic evidence.

In Sinclair’s home, a pair of trousers were found that were made out of identical fibres to some found on the clothes of Kingsley, but the fibres were not enough evidence to prosecute him with.

Then, four red fibres were found on Paul’s clothes, and five of the same fibres were also found on Sinclair’s trousers.

A towel found in Sinclair’s home matched all nine red fibres. This was enough evidence.

Sentencing

Anthony Sinclair received 7 years imprisonment for manslaughter.

Outcome

He was convicted of manslaughter and received 7 years imprisonment.

Other details

Evidence had been scarce, and the case was investigated for a long time. The case involved Paul Kingsley, a nine year old boy, whose body was found soon after being violated and strangled.