Where fingerprint evidence is the sole evidence connecting an accused to an offence, the trial judge must accurately summarise the defence case regarding deficiencies in the fingerprint matching process, including the absence of independent verification evidence. Evidence by a fingerprint expert that the matching process 'has been through verification processes' is hearsay as to the fact that verification occurred and its results, and the jury must be directed as to the limited permissible use of such evidence. Multiple errors in the charge, none individually sufficient, may in aggregate constitute a substantial miscarriage of justice.
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