PCA Report paragraphs 58-59. Title from David and Goliath p40.

58. Mr Karam criticises Detective Sergeant Weir for taking the dominant role in the search of Stephen's room and claims that he should have had only a supervisory function. He suggests that Weir re-did work already assigned to others and implies that there is something suspicious in the energy and zeal demonstrated by that officer. He says he believes it was impossible for Weir to find the lens as he c1aims. In effect, he accuses the officer of criminal conduct.

59. It is incorrect to assert Detective Sergeant Weir should have confined his activities to supervising the work of subordinates. He did not have the luxury of being simply an overseer but had to be actively involved in the searching process. The searching of the Bain house was a major undertaking and was conducted in phases. Priority was given to rooms in which bodies had been found. First, there was video filming of the room with everything in situ. Then there was a visual inspection and the immediate identification of things in view which seemed of special significance to the case. [There was some identification of key exhibits at this stage]. Next, there was the removal of bodies to the mortuary for post mortem examination. Then there was placement of arrows to indicate blood spots/splatters, followed by the careful inch-by-inch searching process and labelling of items located. It was for Detective Sergeant Weir to plan, organise and coordinate those tasks with the staff assigned to him.