Specialties & Experience
General Specialties:
Forensics
Specialty Focus:
DNA
Education:
BSc Hons Biomedical Sciences - Awarded 2000 Currently undertaking PhD - University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Forensic Science
Years in Practice:
25
Number of cases in the last 4 years:
242
Additional Information
DNA Expert Witness evidence thousands of Australian and international matters including murder and sexual assault in District, Supreme and Appeal Courts.
Helen Roebuck is a strongly credentialed and highly regarded forensic DNA expert, trusted within both the legal and scientific communities. She is the most prolific and judgment-published independent DNA expert witness in Australia, with her evidence extensively referenced across various jurisdictions.
Roebuck Forensics provides robust, independent evaluation of DNA evidence in accordance with current scientific theory and methodology. Expertise includes DNA profiling, biological fluids, STRmix, crime scene examinations, DNA transfer, and bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA). With access to a fully operational forensic laboratory, laboratory examinations and DNA testing, can also be conducted.
With over 25 years’ service to the courts, Ms Roebuck has assessed DNA evidence in thousands of indictable matters, including homicide, sexual assault, drug importation, firearms and explosive device prosecutions.
Uniquely skilled as both an academic and a practical crime scene Scientist, Ms Roebuck is equally at ease reassessing a major crime scene, as she is responding to rigorous cross examination by Senior Counsel in the box. Currently undertaking a PhD in the field of DNA transfer; she is a leading expert on DNA transfer at crime scenes.
A selection of matters;
• Evans V The Queen [2023] – Supreme Court of Appeal NSW
• R v Smith [2022] – District Court Qld
• R v Granaghan [2022] – Crown Court of Northern Ireland
• R v Heeley [2022] - Vic
• Mang v The Queen [2022] – Supreme Court of Appeal Vic
• R v Mooney [2022] – District Court NSW
• R v O’Meara [2022] – District Court TAS
• R v Smith [2021] – District Court Qld
• R v Tsakirios [2021] – District Court NSW
• R v Lukaj [2021] District Court SA
• R v Chol [2021] Vic
• R v Perre [2021] – Supreme Court SA
• R v Chee [2021] – Supreme Court VIC
• R v Dukagjini [2021] – Supreme Court NSW
• R v O’Keefe [2021] – Supreme Court Qld
• R v Beattie [2020] – Supreme Court of Victoria
• R v Byrne [2020] – Supreme Court of Appeal NSW
• R v Kabbout [2020] – District Court NSW
• R v Castro Santafe [2020] – District Court NSW
• Rv Ke [2019] – District court NSW
• R v TAL [2019] – Supreme Court Qld
• Hassan V R [2018] – Supreme Court of Appeal NSW
• JH v R [2017] – Supreme Court of Appeal NSW
• R V Lowe [2016] – Supreme Court South Australia
Testimonial by Michael Parrella:
"Our firm engaged Helen to review a prosecution DNA expert report and accompanying police search video. Her task was to determine whether the execution of the search and the handling of exhibits indicated a mass transference event that rendered the DNA evidence unreliable.
From the outset, Helen was highly professional, responsive, and a pleasure to communicate with. She delivered her report promptly and at a very reasonable fee. Her analysis was thorough, precise, and well-reasoned. She agreed with our position and strongly recommended a voir dire to test the admissibility of the DNA evidence. At the hearing, Helen’s opinion was preferred to that of the prosecution expert, and proved pivotal to our successful application to have the DNA evidence excluded.
The DNA evidence was central to the prosecution’s case, and following its exclusion, the ODPP discontinued all charges against our client. Helen is clearly a leader in her field, and it was a privilege to work with her. We look forward to engaging her expertise again in the future."
Testimonal by Gabriel Chipkin:
" Helen was an excellent DNA expert witness in a trial I ran in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. Helen was able to explain complex DNA concepts in clear and easily understandable terms for the jury, including the mechanics around transference of biological material. Helen made herself available both before and during the trial to answer technical questions and assist me with preparation. Her professionalism, dedication and expert knowledge were instrumental in the presentation of the defence".
Further testimonials, and a full CV can be accessed here: https://roebuckforensics.com.au/helen-roebuck-dna-expert-cv/
Helen Roebuck is a strongly credentialed and highly regarded forensic DNA expert, trusted within both the legal and scientific communities. She is the most prolific and judgment-published independent DNA expert witness in Australia, with her evidence extensively referenced across various jurisdictions.
Roebuck Forensics provides robust, independent evaluation of DNA evidence in accordance with current scientific theory and methodology. Expertise includes DNA profiling, biological fluids, STRmix, crime scene examinations, DNA transfer, and bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA). With access to a fully operational forensic laboratory, laboratory examinations and DNA testing, can also be conducted.
With over 25 years’ service to the courts, Ms Roebuck has assessed DNA evidence in thousands of indictable matters, including homicide, sexual assault, drug importation, firearms and explosive device prosecutions.
Uniquely skilled as both an academic and a practical crime scene Scientist, Ms Roebuck is equally at ease reassessing a major crime scene, as she is responding to rigorous cross examination by Senior Counsel in the box. Currently undertaking a PhD in the field of DNA transfer; she is a leading expert on DNA transfer at crime scenes.
A selection of matters;
• Evans V The Queen [2023] – Supreme Court of Appeal NSW
• R v Smith [2022] – District Court Qld
• R v Granaghan [2022] – Crown Court of Northern Ireland
• R v Heeley [2022] - Vic
• Mang v The Queen [2022] – Supreme Court of Appeal Vic
• R v Mooney [2022] – District Court NSW
• R v O’Meara [2022] – District Court TAS
• R v Smith [2021] – District Court Qld
• R v Tsakirios [2021] – District Court NSW
• R v Lukaj [2021] District Court SA
• R v Chol [2021] Vic
• R v Perre [2021] – Supreme Court SA
• R v Chee [2021] – Supreme Court VIC
• R v Dukagjini [2021] – Supreme Court NSW
• R v O’Keefe [2021] – Supreme Court Qld
• R v Beattie [2020] – Supreme Court of Victoria
• R v Byrne [2020] – Supreme Court of Appeal NSW
• R v Kabbout [2020] – District Court NSW
• R v Castro Santafe [2020] – District Court NSW
• Rv Ke [2019] – District court NSW
• R v TAL [2019] – Supreme Court Qld
• Hassan V R [2018] – Supreme Court of Appeal NSW
• JH v R [2017] – Supreme Court of Appeal NSW
• R V Lowe [2016] – Supreme Court South Australia
Testimonial by Michael Parrella:
"Our firm engaged Helen to review a prosecution DNA expert report and accompanying police search video. Her task was to determine whether the execution of the search and the handling of exhibits indicated a mass transference event that rendered the DNA evidence unreliable.
From the outset, Helen was highly professional, responsive, and a pleasure to communicate with. She delivered her report promptly and at a very reasonable fee. Her analysis was thorough, precise, and well-reasoned. She agreed with our position and strongly recommended a voir dire to test the admissibility of the DNA evidence. At the hearing, Helen’s opinion was preferred to that of the prosecution expert, and proved pivotal to our successful application to have the DNA evidence excluded.
The DNA evidence was central to the prosecution’s case, and following its exclusion, the ODPP discontinued all charges against our client. Helen is clearly a leader in her field, and it was a privilege to work with her. We look forward to engaging her expertise again in the future."
Testimonal by Gabriel Chipkin:
" Helen was an excellent DNA expert witness in a trial I ran in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. Helen was able to explain complex DNA concepts in clear and easily understandable terms for the jury, including the mechanics around transference of biological material. Helen made herself available both before and during the trial to answer technical questions and assist me with preparation. Her professionalism, dedication and expert knowledge were instrumental in the presentation of the defence".
Further testimonials, and a full CV can be accessed here: https://roebuckforensics.com.au/helen-roebuck-dna-expert-cv/