A young woman died from shock and haemorrhage due to two stab wounds to her chest, one of which went right through her body, the Central Criminal Court heard yesterday.
Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster said there were also well-developed asphyxial signs on Valerie Linehan's body. She noted multiple haemorrhages in her eyes and multiple areas of bruising on her neck consistent with manual strangulation.
Dr Bolster was giving evidence on the second day of the trial of Gerard Mullane (34), a native of Emly in Co Tipperary, who has denied the murder of his girlfriend, Valerie Linehan (21), at his flat at MacCurtain Street, Cork on December 4th, 1994.
In statements read to the court, Mr Mullane admitted he had killed Ms Linehan, of Kilalla Gardens, Knocknaheeney, Cork. Mr Brendan Grogan SC, defending, said the issue in the case was whether Mr Mullane was guilty of murder or guilty of manslaughter as a result of provocation.
Dr Bolster said she had gone to Mr Mullane's flat on December 4th, 1994, and saw the body of Valerie Linehan, lying on a bed. A post-mortem examination was subsequently carried out.
The trial is due to resume before Mr Justice Moriarty and the jury on Monday.