9 March 2006
Mirror
A murder trial was told yesterday of the "distinct smell of decay" after a police dog [Eddie] found the body of Attracta Harron. Dungannon Crown Court also heard the river-bank where the grave was found bordered the home of farm labourer Trevor William Hamilton, 23. [Hamilton later convicted]
He denies murdering the 65-year-old mother of five on December 11, 2003. Mrs Harron's body was uncovered in the makeshift grave near Sion Mills in April 2004 by police dogs from South Yorkshire police. [Eddie]
Constable John Ellis said he realised the dog operated by his team had found something because of his barking. He continued searching and when he approached colleague Constable Martin Grime's position, "there was a distinct smell of decay".
Con Grime said: "I immediately noted that he had found something and I made my way to the bank and saw what he had found".
The Sheffield-based officer revealed this was the second time his team had allegedly uncovered evidence in the case after being called in to help in the search for Mrs Harron.
In February 2004, during a search of Hamilton's mother's burnt out car, the dog allegedly uncovered traces of blood which the prosecution claim came from Mrs Harron. Mrs Harron disappeared after attending mass in Co Donegal in December 2003. [Eddie]
The trial continues.
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