Europe ruling threat to database

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Since the conviction and sentencing of prostitute serial killer Steve Wright and Sally Anne Bowman's death at the hands of Mark Dixie, demands for a universal register of DNA in the UK have grown.

But a case at the European Court of Human Rights could impede the use of DNA as a crime-solving aid.

The two applicants argue their human rights have been impinged by the decision to leave their details on the database, despite the fact that they had never been found guilty of a crime.

If they succeed in their bid to have their records removed, the Times estimates that 13% of the 4.3 million profiles contained on the database may have to be destroyed.

According to ECHR papers, Michael Marper and a teenager known as 'S', both from Sheffield, had their DNA and fingerprints taken after they were arrested in 2001.

Mr Marper was charged in March 2001 with harassment of his partner, but the couple later reconciled and the charge was not pressed.

S, arrested in January 2001, was charged with attempted robbery, but acquitted in June that year.

Both made a request for their data to be removed from the DNA database in 2002, but were refused. The applicants will find out on Wednesday whether judges in Strasbourg agree with their case.

Now the pair are appealing to the ECHR on the grounds that Article Eight of the European Convention on Human Rights, the right to respect for private life, and Article 14, the prohibition of discrimination, have been violated.