Murder trial is told of extensive abdomen injuries to mother of six

A MOTHER of six died after she received "a severe beating-up accompanied by a most vicious sexual assault", the State Pathologist…

A MOTHER of six died after she received "a severe beating-up accompanied by a most vicious sexual assault", the State Pathologist told the Central Criminal Court yesterday.

Dr John Harbison said Ms Mary Doogue received "very severe violence" to her lower abdomen which caused the rupture of her bladder.

There were injuries to her private parts.

The severity of the injuries to her abdomen was not consistent with even the most aggressive sexual intercourse and was more likely due to a kick, a punch or a weapon. Neck injuries suggested an attempt at strangulation had taken place earlier, said Dr Harbison.

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Her right shoulder was almost certainly dislocated, and there was extensive bruising around her night shoulder joint. She had black eyes and injuries to her face, ears, neck, breasts, arms, legs, back and abdomen.

Dr Harbison said Ms Doogue died from delayed shock due to a combination of subdural haemorrhage, contusion of the larynx, dislocation of the right shoulder and rupture of the bladder.

The State Pathologist was giving evidence on the second day of the trial of Mr Stephen Davis (20) of Clonmullin, Athy, Co Kildare, who has denied the murder of Ms Doogue (30), of the same address, in Athy on October 20th, 1995. The trial has heard Mr Davis was Ms Doogue's live-in boyfriend in October 1995.

Dr Deirdre Collins said she was called to Clonmullin to examine Ms Doogue on October 20th, 1995, after receiving a phone call from a woman who said Ms Doogue may have fallen down the stairs. Ms Doogue said she had been assaulted by two men the previous night. Dr Collins stated Ms Doogue said she was not assaulted by her boyfriend.

Dr Collins said Ms Doogue said she was bleeding but the light was bad and the doctor could not see. She decided to send her to hospital and called an ambulance.

Dr Khasan, a medical official at Naas General Hospital, said he had received a call shortly before to say Ms Doogue had collapsed while in the ambulance. She had no pulse on arrival and efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at 7.25 p.m.

Ms Josephine McHugh said she saw Mr Davis on the night of October 19th/20th, 1995, on a street in Athy holding Ms Doogue's left arm, which was bent back. She also saw Mr Davis kicking Ms Doogue with both feet. A garda had got out of a patrol car and spoken with Mr Davis and then left.

The trial continues.