Hammer blow claims backed
SEVERE force would have been needed to cause the extensive fractures to the skull of Nicholas Collins.
Forensic pathologist Dr Paul Botterill told the Cairns Supreme Court that any of the fractures could have been caused by a hammer.
The body of Mr Collins was found on April 9, 2013, in the mangroves of Trinity Inlet, where it had been stashed.
Hamish Stewart Murray has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Collins on November 28, five months previously.
Dr Botterill said it was unlikely that a single fall could have caused the number of fractures seen on Mr Collins’ skull.
Under questioning by crown prosecutor Michael Cowen, Dr Botterill said he believed that about five or six contacts would have been needed to cause the fractures.
Dr Botterill was shown an image of a ball-pein hammer, which is the alleged murder weapon.
Defence barrister Peter Feeney asked if the fractures could have been caused by the following scenario: after the side of the hammer head was used to strike Mr Collins twice, he fell, hitting the back of his head against a wall and then falling headfirst on to a table and the tiled floor.
Dr Botterill said it was “certainly possible” that blows from the side of the head of the hammer “might explain” some fractures.
“It’s conceivable,” he said.
“It would be unusual for just two contacts to explain the radiating fractures in three directions.”
Methylamphetamines and amphetamines were detected in Mr Collins’ system.
Dr Botterill agreed with Mr Feeney that the most likely explanation was that he had consumed methylamphetamine shortly before his death.
The trial, under Justice James Henry, continues next week.