Phyllis was raped and strangled, court hears

Injuries to the body of Phyllis Murphy, the young Kildare woman found naked and strangled in a wooded area near the Wicklow Gap more than 22 years ago, were consistent with rape, the state pathologist Dr John Harbison has told the trial of a former army sergeant accused of her murder.

Phyllis Murphy had 25 injuries including bruising and abrasions to her head, face, neck, arms and legs, the state pathologist said, but she died from manual strangulation.