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Amanda Carroll's cause of death 'complex', pathologist tells jury

Summary

Sean Nolan, 36, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with murdering his partner, Amanda Carroll, 33, in her Dublin apartment on October 21, 2018. Nolan has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, heard evidence from Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster. She testified that Ms Carroll's cause of death was complex, resulting from compression of her neck and mouth, complicated by the ingestion of sedative-type drugs. Dr Bolster noted that while the death could not have occurred without asphyxia, the drugs had an added effect. She identified injuries consistent with manual strangulation and blunt force trauma to the mouth, alongside bruising on the neck and jaw. Although abrasions on the face were consistent with a prior road traffic accident, the pathologist stated that a significant amount of force was not required to cause strangulation. Under cross-examination, she acknowledged it was possible that the force used would have resulted in non-fatal injuries had drugs and alcohol not been present. Prosecution counsel Shane Costelloe SC argued that Nolan intended to kill or cause serious injury. The jury also heard from Ms Carroll's son, Denis, who discovered her body. The trial continues on Friday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Amanda Carroll's cause of death 'complex', pathologist tells jury. Charges or matters: murdering his partner Ms Carroll (33) in her Dublin apartment two years ago; murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Ms Carroll at Homestead Court, Quarry Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 on October 21, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• October 21, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 22 Other
• 2020-10-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report