David I have provided numerous examples of everyday items containing the trace elements found on handswabs taken from SC and testees. Gunmetal can also contain copper, zinc and lead amongst other elements.
http://copperalliance.eu/about-copper/alloys/gunmetalAre you able to cite any other criminal case in the UK or elsewhere where handswab evidence has been used in an attempt to show victim/perp did/didn't handle X because Y was/wasn't found on handswab? I don't believe you will find such as IMO the test is fatally flawed but I will stand corrected if you are able to show me otherwise.
The reason gunshot residue (GSR) features as a recognised forensic test throughout the world is that upon firearm discharge it generates GSR which is unique in that it contains particles comprised of many elements not found elsewhere. To qualify as GSR a particle must contain a number of elements.
215. At trial Mr Elliott had given evidence of the results of testing the swabs for lead, which included information about other elements detectable on the swab. He had also given evidence of the comparative tests carried out on other scientists after they had handled ammunition from the same source as that used in the killings and loaded it into the magazine. The tests were said to demonstrate appreciably higher lead levels on the scientists' hands than were found on the swabs taken from the hands of Sheila Caffell. This was put forward as evidence that Sheila Caffell had not handled the cartridges in a manner consistent with her being the killer.
216. At trial, Mr Rivlin QC, who appeared for the appellant at trial, sought to counteract this evidence in two ways. First in cross-examination of the scientist, he drew his attention to traces of other elements in the test results from the swabs, iron and copper, and queried whether these were significant. The scientist said that they were no more than might have been obtained from the atmosphere. He did not think the copper could have come from the bullets unless they had been scratched. The other defence approach to this evidence was the theory of ritualistic washing to which reference has earlier been made.Assuming the above is correct why did Elliot refer to the non-lead elements being obtained from the atmosphere when they may have originated from handling the magazine? Just one example as washing alone certainly doesn't remove lead and may well not remove other existing elements either. Elliot attempts to muddy the water with the potential of a scratched cartridge (he refers to the cartridge as bullet) which you seem to be hanging your hat on along with SC taking her life much later. You're wildly wrong IMO. This test is fatally flawed and the results presented at trial were utterly meaningless IMO.
