A jury in London was yesterday shown a black knife which it is alleged was used in the murder of a young Co Wicklow woman in Dublin two years ago.
Kevin Brooks of the Garda Technical Bureau at Garda Headquarters told the Inner London Crown Court that the knife had been found between the shoulder blades of the victim, Georgina Eager (28), with the tip at the nape of her neck. Ms Eager's body was found on May 22nd, 2003 in the bedroom of her flat on St Peter's Road in Walkinstown, next door to the alternative therapies clinic where she worked.
The clinic's owner, Christopher Newman, who practised in Dublin under the name of Prof Saph Dean, has pleaded not guilty to Ms Eager's murder.
An Indian-born British national, Mr Newman is being tried in London under legislation which allows him to be tried in Britain for an offence allegedly committed in another jurisdiction.
Mr Brooks, who was responsible for the investigation of the crime scene in Walkinstown gave evidence that Ms Eager's body had been found on the bed with her head close to the wall. It was covered by a duvet and a pillow was over her head.
Mr Brooks said there was no sign that other items in the room had been disturbed. There were blood stains found on the wall behind the bed.
Earlier the court heard gardaí had kicked in the bedroom door. Mr Brooks said an examination of the door indicated it had been locked and the key was absent.
The prosecution is expected to complete its case on Monday when defence begins its arguments.