A number of items were moved during the scene examination and these are outlined in paragraphs 48 and 49 in the report.

48. Mr Karam attaches considerable significance to the movement of these items and implies some sinister connotation. But items will inevitably be moved, and some ultimately removed altogether, in the course of the scene examination. The salient photographs are those which were taken first as they depict the scene as the Police found it. Subsequent photographs will focus on items of special interest to the case and are taken for the purpose of furthering the investigation.

49. In the present case, we are satisfied there was nothing negligent, irregular, sinister or suspicious in the way items were moved and then photographed or video-recorded in a somewhat different position, but we believe accurate recording of a crime scene is a matter which requires careful attention and consideration. We think it is timely for the Commissioner of Police to remind staff deployed to crime scenes that complications can arise where items are moved before their original positions have been recorded for evidential purposes. Likewise, where photographs/video recordings are put in evidence in criminal proceedings to depict a crime scene in the state in which it was found, care must be taken to ensure that the first taken photographs, etc, are the ones produced as exhibits. Where subsequent photographs give a better picture, or have some other advantage, explanat!ons should be given on why they are used and where movement might have occurred.