Caption

A pubic hair sample from which a DNA fingerprint was obtained in order to identify and convict a rapist. The hair is hidden amongst the cotton wool in the comb in the sealed exhibit bag. DNA taken from the sample was used to produce a pattern of DNA bands - the DNA fingerprint - that is unique to an individual. If a suspect's DNA fingerprint, obtained from his blood sample, matches the DNA fingerprint obtained from a sample of pubic hair (or a blood or semen stain) at the scene of the rape, his connection with the victim is proved beyond doubt. This sample was used in a case by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in Northern Ireland.