Courts / Sligo / Report

Murder accused's mother had been smothered and strangled, pathologist tells trial

Summary

A pathologist has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court regarding the death of a 58-year-old woman from County Sligo in May 2023. State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis told the trial of Nigel Canavan, aged 39 and with an address in Crossmolina, County Mayo, that the deceased died from external asphyxiation caused by suffocation and manual strangulation. Dr Collis outlined injuries consistent with smothering, including pinpoint haemorrhaging around the eyes and bruising to the neck bones. The deceased also sustained stab wounds to both thighs and bruises across her body. Mr Canavan has pleaded not guilty to murder at his mother's home in Sligo on 1 May 2023. Under cross-examination, the pathologist acknowledged that some injuries could have innocent explanations, including assistance provided the previous evening and the deceased's significant alcohol intoxication and medical history, which would have made her prone to bruising.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused's mother had been smothered and strangled, pathologist tells trial. Charges or matters: his mother's murder at her home in St John's Terrace, Co Sligo on May 1, 2023. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 1, 2023 Other
• 2025-05-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report