Taxi Driver Acquitted in Historic Murder Case

In a landmark case that has captivated Liverpool, former Hackney cab driver David Butler has been acquitted of the 2005 murder of sex worker Anne Marie Foy. After a three-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court, a jury deliberated for nearly 11 hours before returning a verdict of not guilty. The decision brought cheers from Mr. Butler's supporters in the public gallery, while Anne Marie Foy's family expressed their sorrow.

David Butler, 65, who suffers from COPD and requires assistance to walk, was cleared of killing the mother-of-four. The prosecution's case rested heavily on a partial DNA profile found at the scene of the crime. This DNA was discovered on evidence including under the victim's fingernails, on her cardigan, and on a bandage around her leg. While experts for the prosecution stated it was 'more than a thousand billion times' more likely to be Mr. Butler's DNA than anyone else's, defence experts raised questions about the validity of these findings during the trial. The prosecution could not definitively prove the DNA belonged solely to Mr. Butler.

The Tragic Events of 2005

Anne Marie Foy, 46, a grandmother who grew up in Dovecot before moving across the city, was working in Liverpool's red-light district when she was brutally attacked. Her body was discovered in bushes at the junction of Crown Street and West Derby Street on the afternoon of Thursday, September 15, 2005. It is believed she was killed around 5:30 am that same day. The post-mortem examination revealed over 60 injuries, indicating a violent and prolonged assault.

The court heard that just weeks before her death, Anne Marie Foy had reportedly been attacked and threatened by a taxi driver from whom she had stolen £300. Mr. Butler, who admitted to using prostitutes on three occasions since his marriage ended in 2001, denied any involvement with Anne Marie Foy. He expressed pity for the lives of sex workers and stated that during his career as a taxi driver, he recognised many of the city's prostitutes but never had contact with Ms. Foy.

A Case Hinged on Science and Doubt

Mr. Butler was arrested in 2010, more than five years after the murder. The key piece of evidence linking him to the crime was the partial DNA profile. Advances in scientific technology allowed for the analysis of this trace evidence, which was crucial to the investigation. However, the defence successfully challenged the certainty of these scientific conclusions, casting doubt on whether the DNA could be unequivocally attributed to Mr. Butler.

During the trial, Mr. Butler described himself as a "humanist and pacifist" who "abhorred" violence. He also highlighted his severe health issues, including COPD, suggesting he would not have had the physical capacity to carry out the "barbaric and brutal" attack.

A History of False Confessions

This is not the first time a man has been acquitted in connection with Anne Marie Foy's murder. In 2007, a man named Kevin Kilshaw confessed to the killing. However, weeks before his trial was due to commence, it was revealed that Kilshaw was in a London hostel at the time of the murder, exposing his confession as false. Kilshaw had a history of mental illness and had previously made false confessions to the police.

Case Remains Open

Despite the acquittal of David Butler, Merseyside Police have stated that their inquiry into the murder of Anne Marie Foy remains open. A police spokesman confirmed that "any new information will be investigated." This means that while Mr. Butler has been cleared, the search for Anne Marie Foy's killer continues.

Legal Perspective

Mr. Butler's solicitor, Paolo Martini of Cobley's, commented on the verdict: "David has managed to be philosophical and always believed that the criminal justice system would prove his innocence. Thankfully it did not let him down. And yet he always acknowledged that Anne Marie Foy was the true victim and always recognised the terrible tragedy for both her and her family. Until the killer is caught he won’t consider this verdict a victory. But he is grateful for it nevertheless."

Key Takeaways

The case of David Butler highlights several critical aspects of the criminal justice system:

• The importance of DNA evidence in modern investigations, but also the need for rigorous scrutiny of its interpretation.
• The presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
• The challenges faced by law enforcement in solving cold cases, especially those involving complex forensic evidence and potential false confessions.
• The emotional toll such cases take on victims' families and the accused.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taxi Butler?

The provided information does not mention a service or entity named "Taxi Butler." The article focuses on David Butler, a former taxi driver acquitted of murder.

Who is David Butler?

David Butler is a former Hackney cab driver from Liverpool. He was accused of the 2005 murder of Anne Marie Foy and was acquitted of the charges after a three-week trial in 2024. He is 65 years old and has significant health issues.

When was Anne Marie Foy murdered?

Anne Marie Foy was murdered on or around September 15, 2005.

What was the key evidence against David Butler?

The key evidence was a partial DNA profile found at the crime scene, which forensic experts linked to David Butler with a very high probability. However, the defence successfully challenged the certainty of this link.

Has the case been solved?

No, the murder of Anne Marie Foy remains unsolved. Merseyside Police have stated their investigation is still open.

Were there any other suspects?

Yes, Kevin Kilshaw confessed to the murder in 2007 but his confession was later proven to be false as he had an alibi.