Murder trial latest - 'victim had 42 external injuries'
HORSHAM pensioner Rhona Heywood had 42 external injuries when she was found dead in her flat, a court heard.
Martin Garratty, 41, of Jockey Mead, Horsham, denies being the person responsible for the murder of his 65-year-old neighbour in March.
Dr Kenneth Shorrock, a forensic pathologist, told the jury that he carried out the post mortem on Ms Heywood.
Yesterday afternoon (Monday November 17), the jury was shown a diagram of her head, showing the injuries to her face.
Dr Shorrock said he had identified 42 separate injuries on her, including cuts and bruises all over her face.
Her nose was not just broken but 'squashed', he said.
"Not the sort of broken nose that a rugby player gets on the field; it was severely flattened."
Dr Shorrock told the jury there was a 'patterned' injury behind one of her ears, similar to the mark he would expect from the tread of a shoe.
However, he said that in cases where someone has been kicked he would expect to find several such marks.
"My feeling now, after the evidence has been carefully looked at, is that it's coincidental that it looks as if it has tread type marks on it," he added.
Garratty denies murder. The case continues.
Read Friday's County Times for the full report from the trial.
For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Visitors to www.wscountytimes.co.uk who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is 1.53 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.
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