Deputy State pathologist gives evidence in Sligo murder trial

The trial of a 30-year-old Sligo man accused of murdering a 67-year-old pensioner continued at the Central Criminal Court today. The accused has pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. He has also admitted false imprisonment and trespass to commit robbery at the victim's home in September 2012. The Deputy State Pathologist gave evidence describing extensive injuries sustained by the deceased, including fractures to the skull, jaw and ribs, ligature marks to the wrists, and severe blunt force trauma to the head, face and neck. The pathologist stated the cause of death was bronchial pneumonia resulting from a coma induced by the severe trauma, with tissue damage to the hands from being bound listed as a contributing factor. A detective sergeant told the court the accused was visibly upset during interviews and cooperative with gardaí. The trial continues.