Neuropathologist testifies in manslaughter trial

Timothy Deleary’s death had to be put under the microscope before medical experts knew the cause. More specifically, it would be samples of brain tissues examined by neuropathologist David Ramsay that would uncover the specific clues to come to a conclusion. Ramsay testified Thursday morning at the manslaughter trial of Robby Diabo, 26, who has pleaded not guilty in Deleary’s death. Diabo confessed to London police a week after Deleary died on May 22, 2014, that he did punch Deleary in the face during a confrontation on the front porch of a York Street residence.

In his testimony, Ramsay told the jury he can’t be certain how much force is necessary to cause the profuse axonal injuries found in Deleary’s brain at autopsy. But, he said in response to questions from assistant Crown attorney Charles Yih, what was clear is that the injuries to the axons — the connections between nerve cells — were widespread.

Also, he testified, two small hemorrhages on the brain stem, plus noticeable changes to the brain cells, directed him to conclude the injuries were the result of blunt force trauma. Ramsay told the jury there was evidence of bruises, scrapes and a cut on Deleary’s scalp and face. But there were no skull fractures or bleeding in the layer between the skull and the brain. There was no evidence of brain swelling, Ramsay testified. Ramsay said axonal injuries happen when there is a hit to the head, causing the brain to move. Axonal injuries can also be caused by a lack of oxygen or a lack of blood flow to the brain. Ramsay’s conclusion was that Deleary was likely rendered unconscious after the blow to the head. In cross-examination by Diabo defence lawyer Eric Seaman, Ramsay agreed that the brain stem injury had a non-specific cause and could only be attributed to the axonal injury if it was the result of the blow to the head.

Ramsay also agreed that some axonal injuries could be the result of one blow and more could happen if there was a subsequent head injury. “All we can say is there was trauma to the head,” he said.