A fingerprint expert testified Thursday that a print matching the left middle finger of defendant Menelaos Polycarpou was found on evidence linked to the Thanasis Kalogeropulos murder case being heard at Limassol Criminal Court.
The expert witness, who leads the Fingerprint Laboratory, explained that there was a complete match on all 16 points required for court presentation.
After describing the fingerprint examination and identification process, the expert presented electronically the fingerprints collected from specific evidence to the court.
The expert noted that two fingerprint traces were found, with one successfully matched. This fingerprint was compared with prints taken from the first defendant.
During cross-examination by Polycarpou’s lawyer, the expert confirmed that fingerprints are unique to each person worldwide, emphasising that even identical twins who come from the same egg have different fingerprints.
The expert explained that comparison was performed both through the specialised ASAVA system and by eye. When his expertise was challenged, the witness responded that he has been an expert in the field for 30 years.
When questioned about the first defendant’s fingerprints, he stressed that the two prints were absolutely identical, with complete matching characteristics. “It is beyond any reasonable doubt. They are the same, from the same person, from the same finger,” he stated.
The defendant’s lawyer argued that the presented evidence was misleading and did not reflect reality, but the expert maintained that his testimony to the court was truthful.
When asked about fingerprint identification, he explained that 16 common characteristics are required to establish a complete match, as in this case.
When questioned if he knew which exhibit the identified fingerprint came from, he replied that his job was to examine and compare fingerprints.
According to philenews sources, the fingerprint was found on a receipt in a basket during a search at a mansion in Skarinou.
The proceedings continue with testimony from a sergeant from the Crime Scene Investigation and Fingerprint Identification Laboratory.
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