Expert 'unable to tell' which of 100 injuries ended the life of Angela Wrightson

A pathologist has told a murder trial into the death of Angela Wrightson that he is unable to say which of the more than 100 injuries ended her life.
Angela WrightsonAngela Wrightson
Angela Wrightson

Ms Wrightson, 39, was found dead at her Stephen Street home in Hartlepool in December 2014 following a violent and sustained attack.

Two girls, who were aged 13 and 14 at the time of the killing, deny murder.

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Dr Mark Egan was giving his second day of evidence into the hearing at Leeds Crown Court.

He said from examining Ms Wrightson's body that there was evidence that she had bee slapped, punched and kicked on her lower half.

Dr Egan said he was unable to pinpoint the fatal blow to Ms Wrightson.

"The precise mode of death is difficult to decide," said Mr Egan.

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He added that Ms Wrightson had been subject to blunt force injuries to her scalp, ears and face.

He also said that there was evidence from injuries to her hands and arms that she had been trying to defend herself during the attack.

"It could explain the 10 deflected blows to the back of the hands, provided that the kicks were not restricted to the head and face."

Jurors were also shown blood-spattered items which are believed to have been used to kill Ms Wrightson.

They included a metal strainer pan, the cracked base of a glass vase, a plastic-handled metal knife with a serrated edge and piece of wood with screws on each end of it.

The trial continues.