Scenario:
On Saturday the 27th March a family staying at rented a cabin for a weekend next to the River Esk in Ravenglass, Cumbria were awoken by several load bangs outside. On investigation they noticed that the one of the other cabins on the site was on fire and they called the fire brigade. The police were also called to attend the scene.
The police interviewed the family as well as other holidaymakers staying on the site. Several other holidaymakers also reported that they had been disturbed by several loud bangs at about 11pm that night. They also reported that a group of three men staying in a tent near the rivers edge had been causing a nuisance all of that day- drinking, setting large bonfires, shouting and playing loud music.
The police went to question the three men and they became suspicious of their behaviour. Due to their suspicions they decided to search their tent where they found several bags of white powder, lighter fluid and a pistol. The gun and the white powder were seized as evidence and the men arrested for possession of drugs and an illegal firearm.
On questioning the men said that they had booked a camping holiday for a few days to celebrate the end of their second year at University. They admitted to drinking and taking cocaine; the bags of white powder did belong to them and it was for personal use as well as admitting that they may have “become a bit boisterous” the prior evening. When questioned about the gun it was claimed that it was just a toy and they had no idea really why they had bought it along. They further claimed that carrying the gun had no relation to the quantity of cocaine.
The three men were also questioned about the fire in the cabin and whether or not they had any involvement. All three denied any involvement and said that they were not aware of any load bangs. Police did recover spent fireworks from the scene but the men denied they were theirs or that they had set them off.
Image of the cabin after the fire brigade had extinguished the fire
Image of the campfire site next to the river
Spent fireworks found near to the cabin.
Exhibit APHS1: “Olympic” front venting blank firing starting pistol
Exhibit APHS2: Bag of white powder
Questions:
Looking at the image of the cabin, is it possible that the fire was started accidentally from a stray ember from a bonfire? What evidence can you see to back up your opinion? (10%)
Looking at the image of the inside of the cabin, what are some of the indicators that could be used to locate the seat of the fire? (10%)
Once the seat of the fire is located, what techniques could be employed to determine if an accelerant was used or not? (10%)
What evidence could be found on the spent fireworks to identify who had handled them? What techniques could be employed and how could they be used to collect this evidence. (10%)
Name an analytical technique that could be used to identify the white powder (APHS2). Describe the basic principles of your chosen technique. (10%)
What causes fireworks to “fly” rather than simply burn or explode? (10%)
What is the composition of GSR and where does it come from? (10%)
What licences are required to legally possess the firearm APHS1? (10%)
What class (UK) of drug is cocaine and what are the penalties around possession and supply? (10%)
What are offences relating to the overall incidents that could be considered here? (10%)
