LACK of blood in the hallway near to Heather’s Barnett’s front door is consistent with the killer changing out of his blood stained shoes, an expert told Winchester Crown Court this morning.

Crime scene investigator Philip Webster examined flooring throughout her Capstone Road flat using the Luminol chemical, which reacts to indicate traces of blood.

Mr Webster told the court that three stripes were discovered on the floor from the patio door, through the lounge and to the bathroom which were consistent with Heather being dragged.

He said the footmarks he found were stronger near the bathroom and became “less strong and fragmented” as they travelled towards the patio door and workroom area.

Footprints near the workroom area were consistent with someone moving in a tight confined area, he added.

Michael Bowes QC, prosecuting, said: “If the attacker came out of the bathroom, turned round and closed the bathroom door, walked back to the patio door and then, for example, changed his footwear and walked down the hallway and out the front door. Would that account for the lack of blood?”

Mr Webster replied: “That would be consistent, yes.”

David Jeremy QC, defending, asked Mr Webster about the lack of clear trail of footprints from the bathroom to the worktable.

Mr Webster said: “It isn’t a full trail.” He added the offender’s footprints could have got mixed up in the dragging trail left by Heather’s body.

Mr Jeremy said: “I am suggesting this (Luminol) is not a science. You will not get a consistent diminution of marks as the treads progress. It is more rough and ready.”

Mr Webster said you may not leave a partial footmark or a fragmented mark but “to leave no mark of any kind would be difficult“.

Forensic scientist Nigel Lowe said the footmarks in blood were left by a Nike training shoe between the sizes of 9 ½ and 10 ½ but he couldn’t rule out sizes between nine and 11.

Danilo Restivo, 39, of Chatsworth Road, Charminster, denies murdering Heather Barnett on November 12, 2002.

The trial continues.