Technique will help date rape cases

A student may have given police a crucial new technique for investigating date rape cases in which victims' drinks have been spiked with drugs.

A forensic science student at the University of Derby developed research that could help detectives pinpoint the time in which someone's drink was spiked.

Hilary Bathgate, 22, received a first in her BSc forensic science course for the work and is now studying for a doctorate at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.

Her research involved tests on drinks spiked with the date rape drug GHB. The drinks tested were a glass of wine, a vodka and Coke, a drink of J20, and a Bacardi Breezer.

By monitoring how the drug degrades in the drink, it is possible to identify when the drink was spiked, within a time-frame of two hours.

Ms Bathgate said: "The key development has been being able to help find the time-frame for when a drink may have been spiked, using the degradation process.

"The type of alcohol served also plays a part, with the drug degrading more rapidly in certain drinks, such as white wine in comparison to non-alcoholic drinks such as J20."

The rate of degradation is also faster at higher temperatures, she said.

"If anyone who feels they have had their drink spiked is able to retain even a sample of the spiked drink for analysis, the equation could be used by forensic scientists to help indicate the time frame for when the drink was spiked, using this chemical formula approach."

Julian Love, programme leader for forensic science at Derby, who previously worked as a forensic scientist at Strathclyde Police, said: "Hilary's study is of particular importance and interest to the world of forensic science. She is an excellent student who has been recognised for her academic ability by being able to bypass masters level and move straight on to her doctorate."

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