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Anorak News | Ben Needham: Guthrie test DNA overrides civil liberties

Ben Needham: Guthrie test DNA overrides civil liberties

by | 18th, December 2011

BEN Needham was 21 months old when he disappeared in July 1991 on the island of Kos. He was with his mother Kerry (now known as Ms Grist-Needham) and her boyfriend, Simon Ward, on holiday from Sheffield. They were visiting relatives. He’s never been found.

The Times sums up the news of what happened to him:

Among the theories circulating in the media at the time was the possibility that Ben Needham had been taken by Balkan Gypsies to be “sold” to a childless couple.

Gypsies. Always the gypsies. It’s the media’s way of saying no-one know.

But one thing may help Ben Needham be traced: his DNA. When Ben was born, the Guthrie test saw it that a dab of blood was taken. The routine test was for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disorder. DNA taken from the blood sample has been released to South Yorkshire Police. Now, police can test for any match against any DNA profiles held in Greece.

Ms Grist-Needham said of South Yorkshire Police:

“They have pulled out all the stops.”

How can the DNA help find Ben Needham? Says his mother:

“I think probably this is the first time any mother would wish that their child has committed an offence in whichever country that he’s in. Because obviously if he’s been in trouble with the police or involved in an accident, Ben will flag up if his DNA is held.”

Or anyone who think they might be Ben Needham can have their blood tested.

It can only help the hunt for Ben Needham. Although other might be concerned that routine test for illness means your DNA is stored and can be used in way not imagined at the time. Civil liberties may be affected down the line…



Posted: 18th, December 2011 | In: Reviews Comments (3) | TrackBack | Permalink