A PATHOLOGIST today said Jayden Parkinson's injuries were not consistent with dying from a quick grip on her neck then stopping her heart.
Defence barrister Richard Benson QC suggested at Oxford Crown Court to forensic pathologist Dr Alexander Kolar the 17-year-old may have died from vagal inhibition - where pressure on the vagus nerve in the neck can stop a person’s heart.
Dr Kolar has been giving evidence at Oxford Crown Court today after carrying out the teenager’s post-mortem examination.
Jayden's former boyfriend Ben Blakeley has admitted manslaughter but denied murdering the teenager last December.
Mr Benson said: “It has not been disputed that the accused took Jayden by the neck.
“In the absence of there being significant trauma to the neck young Jayden could have expired very, very quickly.
“It could have been a matter of just a few seconds that she was being gripped.”
But Dr Kolar said cases of vagal inhibition there are usually no injuries whatsoever, but Jayden had bruises on her face and head, as well as eight areas of bleeding within her neck.
Dr Kolar said: “We have no reliable data on how long it takes to cause death from pressure to the throat. We simply do not know.
“These are not trivial injuries to the neck, this is a relatively severe set of injuries.”
Jayden's body was found buried in a grave in a church in Didcot last December.
Blakeley also admits perverting the course of justice.
A 17-year-old, who cannot be named, also admits perverting the course of justice but denies one count of preventing a lawful burial.
The trial continues.
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