Three years after the original investigation began, a court hearing has been told that key evidence files linked to Fr Luke Seguna have been deleted, according to testimony from a digital forensics expert. The expert informed the court that material originally collected as part of the case could no longer be accessed because the files had been erased, raising immediate questions about the integrity of the evidence chain and the ability of prosecutors and defense counsel to rely on the digital record. The disclosure came during proceedings where the handling, preservation, and retrieval of electronic data were being examined, with the court seeking clarity on how, when, and by whom the files were deleted.
The loss of the evidence has significant implications for the case, as digital records often form a crucial part of proving or disproving allegations, and their absence can create gaps that complicate the assessment of facts. The expert explained that while attempts were made to recover the deleted material, the process was hampered by the time elapsed and by protocols that govern data retention and access, meaning that original verification of the files against source devices is no longer possible. The court is now required to consider how this development affects the admissibility of secondary copies, whether any prejudice arises for either side, and what remedies exist under procedural rules for dealing with missing or compromised evidence.
The revelation has refocused attention on the standards applied by investigative authorities when securing digital evidence, including the use of proper forensic imaging, hash-value verification, and secure storage to prevent tampering or loss. For the proceedings involving Fr Luke Seguna, the deleted files mean that the court must weigh what remains of the evidentiary record against the lacuna created by their absence, and determine how to proceed in a way that ensures fairness while maintaining public confidence in the judicial process.
