Pathologist gives evidence in murder trial

Thu, 02 Jul 2009

Billy Rogers

Jurors at a murder trial have heard evidence today from a pathologist who carried out a post mortem examination on the body of Port Erin man Billy Rogers.

The 28 year old died from a stab wound to the heart on 26th March last year.

His friend, Arizona Watterson is accused of his murder but the defence say the fatal wound was inflicted accidentally.

Dr Naomi Carter described a single 6cm deep stab wound to the left side of Mr Roger's chest.

She also told the court moderate force would have been needed to inflict the injury.

The doctor classifies force as either being mild, moderate or severe in stabbing incidents.

The state pathologist for Ireland Professor Mary-Therese Cassidy also gave evidence today.

She said the force of a stabbing can't always be quantified in the terms used by Dr Carter.

She believes it differs from case to case, so is therefore incomparable.

The trial continues.