Camera footage is hailed by police

Police and lawyers have hailed the impact of Robocam footage shown at the trial of Wendy Walters at Birmingham Crown Court.

They say there is little doubt it played an important part in securing Walters's conviction for the murder of Barry Evans.

It is believed to be the first time West Mercia Constabulary has used evidence from a head-mounted mini-camera in a court trial.

The jury was able to see what Robocam-equipped Constable Ross Ashmore, the first police officer at the scene, saw and heard when he arrived at the flat.

Dramatic footage of ambulance staff pumping Mr Evans's chest were shown on screens located around the courtroom.

The jury were also able to see and hear Walters's befuddled demeanour as she sat in the bedroom, swearing repeatedly, and leading Constable Ashmore to the kitchen where she opened a drawer and produced the knife used to stab Mr Evans.

Detective Inspector Jon Collier, from West Mercia Constabulary, said: "Robocam enabled the jury the unusual opportunity to get a vivid and accurate picture of the scene where this tragic event took place, and also allowed them to assess Wendy Walters's state of mind and her actions and statements in the immediate aftermath of Barry Evans's murder.

"The footage was of enormous benefit as it allowed us the precious opportunity to revisit the scene on many occasions via recorded images during the course of our investigation."

Acting Superintendent Paul Kinsella, from Telford Police, said the town's police had been piloting Robocam for the West Mercia force and the Walters case clearly demonstrated its potential.