Benn, Sylvia

Sylvia Benn was convicted in October 1997 of conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of Class A controlled drugs and received a sentence of six years’ imprisonment.

Ms Benn also received a confiscation order in the sum of £24,000 with 18 months’ imprisonment in default.

The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction in August 2002.

At trial, expert evidence had been given that traces of cocaine found on banknotes handled by the defendants supported the case that they had been guilty of cocaine importation.

This evidence had been subject to intense debate.

During review, the CCRC obtained fresh expert evidence which strongly criticised the trial expert’s evidence, including the failure to take proper account of the universality of cocaine traces on banknotes.

There was also criticism of the techniques used for collecting samples and of the insufficient safeguards in place to prevent cross-contamination during handling and testing.

The CCRC concluded this new evidence cast substantial doubt upon the reliability of the evidence given at trial.

The CCRC referred the conviction in September 2002.

The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction in July 2004.