What does Steve Wright’s sentence mean for UK policing budgets?

It puts outcomes ahead of slogans. The Old Bailey sentencing showed CCTV, vehicle data and DNA can resolve historic crimes. Chiefs now have a strong case to fund camera refreshes, ANPR coverage, cloud evidence platforms and lab throughput. Expect more emphasis on interoperability, accreditation and audit trails rather than pilots that do not scale.

Why are CCTV and ANPR likely to see demand after this case?

CCTV and ANPR created a timeline of movements that supported the case, which is hard to challenge in court when chain-of-custody is clear. Upgrades that improve resolution, retention and searchability help analysts connect routes, vehicles and people faster. Forces also want systems that share securely with CPS and withstand defence scrutiny.

How does DNA factor into historic case reviews now?

Modern techniques improve sensitivity and reduce contamination risk, so old exhibits can produce new profiles. When labs link results directly to case files with digital chain-of-custody, investigators can combine DNA hits with CCTV and vehicle data. That integrated view, highlighted by Steve Wright’s case, makes reopening files more viable and court-ready.

What should investors look for in public-safety vendors in Britain?

Prioritise vendors with UK deployments, ISO accreditation, strong privacy controls and seamless integration with police systems. Products should improve throughput, reduce disclosure errors and provide clear audit logs. Reference wins in camera upgrades, ANPR, digital forensics or case management signal readiness to scale. Transparent governance will matter in procurements after this case.

Law and Government

February 7: Steve Wright Sentence Puts UK Forensics Spend in Focus

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 7, 2026February 7, 2026

Steve Wright receiving a further 40-year life term for the 1999 murder of Victoria Hall and the attempted kidnap of Emily Doherty puts forensic capability in the spotlight. The Old Bailey sentencing highlights how CCTV, vehicle data and DNA links can resolve historic cases. For UK investors, this raises near-term interest in policing and forensic technologies as forces review cold cases and upgrade digital evidence tools. We outline procurement signals, policy cues and vendor features to watch across Britain’s public safety market.