The DNA of a woman accused of murdering an army veteran was found on his blood-stained hands, a court has heard. 

Winter Swan-Miller is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with the murder of Stuart Maxwell Crocker, 62, who was found dead at The Signals, in New Street, Andover, on June 28, last year.

Police investigations found that veteran Mr Crocker might have been killed in the early hours of June 23, but was only discovered five days later when a neighbour phoned 999 concerned for his welfare. 

Court updates: Woman accused of murdering Andover veteran stands trial

The trial has entered its fourth week as forensic scientist Penelope Griffiths returned to give evidence on Tuesday, June 11. 

Ms Griffiths went to The Signals to examine the scene on July 28.

She described Mr Crocker's fingernails as 'visibly blood stained' and a low-level DNA profile matching Swan-Miller was found under the left hand's fingernails. The defendant’s DNA was also found on samples taken from Mr Crocker’s left palm. 

The evidence cannot prove when or how Swan-Miller's DNA was deposited onto Mr Crocker's fingernails.

Mr Crocker’s blood was also found on a watch, rings and bracelets belonging to Swan-Miller. 

Mr Crocker's underpants were also visibly blood-stained, and "white staining" was found on the outside hips and the front, described as "salt marks from sweat".

DNA matching Mr Crocker and Swan-Miller was found on the inside front panel of Mr Crocker's underwear. Ms Griffiths said that tests do not confirm when or how the DNA was deposited - only since the pants were last washed.

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Ms Griffiths told prosecutor Nicola Shannon KC that it is likely that there was a "transfer of wet body fluid from Swan-Miller" to the front of Mr Crocker's underwear from Mr Crocker himself. Swan-Miller's DNA was also found on Mr Crocker's penis.

She said: "The full DNA profile from Swan Miller could be explained if Mr Crocker had vaginal intercourse with Swan-Miller shortly before his death."

Gurdeep Garcha KC representing Swan-Miller, said the scientific evidence supports Swan-Miller’s statement that she acted in self-defence.

Earlier that trial, it was heard that on the morning that Mr Crocker died, he had allegedly sexually assaulted Swan-Miller and, in self-defence, she had grabbed a knife and killed him.

Addressing Mrs Griffiths, he said: “In your own words, 'it is my opinion there is no scientific evidence to contradict the statement that Mr Crocker had vaginal intercourse with Swan-Miller shortly before his death'?"

Miss Griffiths said: “Yes.”

The forensic evidence cannot determine if there was consent during the sexual activity.

Swan-Miller denies the charge of murder and the trial continues.