Murder trial told victim died of single stab wound

THE STATE Pathologist has told the jury in a Tipperary murder and arson trial that the 30-year-old victim died from a single …

THE STATE Pathologist has told the jury in a Tipperary murder and arson trial that the 30-year-old victim died from a single stab wound to the chest, which penetrated the heart.

Prof Marie Cassidy was giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court on the eighth day of the trial of John Paul Buck (29), Heywood Close, Clonmel.

Mr Buck has pleaded not guilty to stabbing to death his “best mate” Fergus Roche at a house in the same estate in the early hours of  October 1st, 2005. He also denies setting fire to the vacant house afterwards.

Dr Cassidy also said there were no defensive knife injuries, which there would usually be in a struggle. She agreed with Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, prosecuting, that defensive injuries would not be expected if the victim were sleeping.

READ MORE

She was shown a knife found at the scene and said this or a similar one could have caused the lethal, 9.5cm-deep wound.

She also outlined other injuries found on the body of Mr Roche.

Prof Cassidy agreed with Michael Delaney SC that Mr Roche’s alcohol level was three times the drink-driving limit and that there was evidence of recent cannabis use.

She also agreed that one possible explanation for the lack of defensive wounds would be if Mr Roche was holding the knife until just before his death.

Mr Delaney asked if it was possible that the deceased produced a knife, another person grabbed his wrist, inflicting injuries there, both parties struggled, fell and Mr Roche was stabbed.

She demonstrated that Mr Roche would have to be pointing the knife towards his chest, but said: “It is possible”.

She agreed with Mr Delaney that they would be more likely to fall if intoxicated.