Test pilot of forensic technology in Ashford helps catch man who breached restraining order

Detectives in Ashford have used a forensic marking technology to catch a man who repeatedly breached a restraining order.

The grease, more commonly used to detect thefts, shows up under ultra-violent light, allowing officers to see if someone has come into contact with an object. Kent Police have been trialling the substance as part of a test pilot, supported by the College of Policing.

Police from the East Kent Proactive Domestic Abuse Team applied the liquid to the windows of a victim of stalking, following the release from prison of an offender who had previously breached a restraining order designed to protect her.

Following a report that the man had been seen at the victim’s property in Ashford on 10 April 2024, officers immediately responded and made attempts to locate and arrest the man, who fled the scene. On the 18 April, officers found him once again at the victim’s address and he was arrested.

Tests on a body warmer he was wearing showed traces of the forensic grease which had been applied to the window of the victim’s address.

Marley Edmed, 25, formerly of Laurens Van Der Post Way, Ashford, was charged with two counts of breaching a restraining order and jailed for 46 weeks after admitting both offences at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 19 April.

Detective Inspector Zoe Wilczek, of the East Kent Proactive Domestic Abuse Team, said:

‘Our number one priority is protecting victims of stalking, harassment and domestic violence and we will use any means open to us to achieve this.

‘I believe this case is the first in the county in which this forensic grease has been used in a domestic abuse investigation, strengthening the case which secured a conviction at court, and I am pleased it has helped us swiftly put this repeat offender behind bars.

‘We now know this forensic marking method of protection is effective and we will continue to utilise it in domestic abuse and stalking safeguarding methods.’

Stalking Awareness Week

Kent Police is currently supporting Stalking Awareness Week, a week-long national campaign run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which began on Monday 22 April 2024. The aim is to highlight the behaviours that amount to stalking and the effect that it has on people, to hold offenders to account and safeguard victims. Throughout the week officers will be engaging with members of the public, raising awareness of the offence. Click here for more details.