Blood Distribution
Bloodstaining upon items of clothing and footwear worn by either a complainant or assailant, at a scene, or upon items potentially used as weapons, can in some cases, yield information in terms of pattern and distribution of the staining, characteristics of the staining and possible means of transfer. In cases of assault, or murder, where bleeding injuries had been sustained, it is sometimes possible to determine an individual's potential involvement in, or proximity to, such an incident by examination of the pattern, distribution and characteristics of bloodstaining upon items of their clothing and footwear. Certain patterns of bloodstaining are consistent with an individual having been involved with a kicking, stamping or punching assault (the source of such bloodstaining would have to be confirmed by DNA analysis of possible). Similarly, it is in some cases possible to examine the pattern and distribution of other liquid substances (eg: alcohol stains upon clothing in assaults using glasses, or acid attacks).
It is also possible to examine items which have potentially been used as a weapon to determine if the presence, pattern, and distribution of bloodstaining upon it provides support for such a proposition.
Our expert in this field is Linzi Howarth
