A “full, pure” DNA profile matching that of a murder suspect was found on the blood-stained clothing of the elderly neighbour he is accused of killing, a jury has heard.

William James Stevenson (44) of Coast Road, Ballygally, is standing trial at Belfast Crown Court for the murder 20 years ago of his neighbour Elizabeth Smyth.

Ms Smyth (66) was found battered and throttled to death in her flat at Moveen House in Finaghy on October 9, 1988. At the time of the murder, Stevenson lived in the flat opposite.

Stevenson was arrested four days after the killing but was later released from custody.

The murder probe was re-opened three years ago and several items including Ms Smyth’s clothes and a bloody towel — which were removed from the scene — underwent forensic examinations at a lab in the UK in 2006. As a result of forensic evidence, Stevenson was re-arrested last July and charged with murder.

Giving evidence was forensic scientist Stephen Green. He revealed he tested items including Ms Smyth’s underwear and a jacket belonging to Stevenson.

He also secured DNA profiles from both the deceased and the accused from fingernail clippings before conducting analysis on clothes linked to the murder.

One of the garments Ms Smyth was wearing when she was killed was a pair of tights which were splattered with blood stains.

Mr Green told the jury he analysed a blood stain on the waist-band of the tights. The forensics expert said: “This was subject to a DNA profile and I found a full male profile which matched that of Mr Stevenson.”

He also said a mixed DNA profile from Stevenson and Ms Smyth was found after blood from both the victim’s pants and bloomers was tested. A corset worn by Ms Smyth also underwent forensic examination and was found to display “systematic damage”.

Mr Green told the court “various cuts and tears” were visible on the undergarment which he concluded had been caused “by a sharp implement such as a knife”.

He also revealed the bra section of the corset had been torn from its original place but was still attached at the side while hooks at the crotch area were damaged and had been “pulled or ripped apart” with “quite a bit of force”.

The witness was also asked about a bloody towel which was found lying in Ms Smyth’s flat.

He tested a blood stain and concluded DNA characters “matched the characters in the profile of Mr Stevenson”. He added: “The results of the chemical blood testing and DNA analysis supports the assertion that Mr Stevenson bled on the towel.”

It also emerged that a jacket belonging to Stevenson was seized by police after the murder.

Mr Green analysed a blood stain found inside a pocket of the jacket which he said had an “almost complete” DNA profile from Ms Smyth. Asked his opinion on this, he said: “The appearance of it, together with the DNA result, indicates that something that had wet blood or still tacky blood on it was placed in that pocket.”

The trial will continue on Monday.