A 70-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of 86-year-old widow Una Crown in 2013 after DNA evidence matching his profile was discovered on her nail clippings. Una Crown, a retired postmistress, was tragically found with her throat cut, stab wounds to her chest, and her clothes set on fire in her bungalow in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, on January 13, 2013. Initially, the police did not consider her death suspicious, leading to a two-day delay in preserving the crime scene due to what was described as a “grave error of judgment by the attending officers”. David Newton, a former kitchen installer from Wisbech, was arrested and charged with the murder last year. Despite his denial of the offence, he was found guilty after a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.
During the trial, it was revealed that crucial DNA evidence was retained from the 2013 crime scene, in the form of DNA found under Una Crown’s fingernails. Detective Superintendent Iain Moor of Cambridgeshire Police stated that new DNA testing techniques, capable of testing for male DNA only, provided a breakthrough in the case. This technique was not available in 2013 and played a pivotal role in linking David Newton to the murder scene. Moor expressed regret over the mistakes made during the initial investigation but highlighted the importance of the advancements in forensic technology in securing the conviction.
Una Crown’s body was discovered by her niece’s husband in her hallway on January 13, a day after she had been killed. Prosecutors emphasized the significance of the DNA evidence found on nail clippings taken during the post-mortem examination in linking Newton to the crime. The court heard that Newton, who was reliant on state benefits at the time, was spending money extravagantly on the day of the murder, which raised suspicions. The extensive deliberations by the jury resulted in a guilty verdict by a majority of 10 jurors to two, indicating a strong case built on forensic evidence.
Following the verdict, Matthew Golby of the Crown Prosecution Service expressed the determination to seek justice for Una Crown, highlighting the relentless pursuit over more than a decade in ensuring Newton faced the consequences of his actions. The sentencing, set to take place on February 14, will determine the period Newton must serve for the murder. The judge, Mr Justice Neil Garnham, reminded Newton that the sentence for murder is life imprisonment, urging him to prepare for the proceedings.
The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the enduring efforts by law enforcement agencies to seek justice and closure for the families of victims. The technological advancements in forensic DNA analysis have played a crucial role in solving cold cases and bringing perpetrators to account for their crimes. The verdict in the Una Crown murder trial not only delivers justice but also highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the application of innovative techniques in solving complex criminal cases.
As the legal proceedings conclude with the sentencing of David Newton, the focus shifts to honouring the memory of Una Crown and providing solace to her grieving family. The impact of this verdict resonates not only within the courtroom but also in the broader context of seeking justice and closure in cases of unresolved crimes. The community reflects on the tragic loss of Una Crown, while acknowledging the diligent efforts of law enforcement in pursuing truth and accountability in the pursuit of justice.