A teenage girl was killed by a heavy object striking her skull, a murder trial jury at the Central Criminal Court was told yesterday. Mr Keith Kelly (23), Cole park Drive, Ballyfermot, denies that about October 31st, 1995, in the grounds of the Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin, he murdered Melanie Gleeson (15), Colepark Road, Ballyfermot. Mr Kelly admits manslaughter but denies murder.
The State Pathologist, Prof John Harbison, told the court that Ms Gleeson died of "extremely severe" head injuries, "the destruction of the brain stem" coupled with "high-velocity injuries consistent with dropping a rock upon the head".
"To do that degree of destruction" the object or stone would need to be so heavy that "it would probably require lifting with both hands."
He later agreed in cross-examination by Mr Patrick Mac Entee SC, defending, that the injuries might have been inflicted by someone having "lifted the stone and doing that increasingly violently as he gets more and more incensed".
Ms Gleeson's body was found partially covered by a coat but naked, with multiple head injuries. Prof Harbison said when he examined the body, he found lacerations on the head and the face splattered with blood and evidence of strangulation.
He said the "spine was intact but of course the skull was broken off the top of the neck". There was "purple mottling" in the back lungs indicating Ms Gleeson had been alive at the time she received the head injuries and that she received them as she lay on her back.
The prosecution concluded its case yesterday and the defence is expected to call evidence today. The trial is before Mr Justice Smith and a jury.