Pathologist gives evidence in murder trial

A 19-year-old Dublin man who died after an argument outside a chip shop died from a single stab would to the chest according to the Chief State Pathologist.

Prof. Marie Cassidy told a jury in the Central Criminal Court that Gavin "Sponge" Weldon died from a single wound from a large knife which passed right through his left lung and punctured a major artery.

Gary Gleeson (aged 23) of Lisryan, Granard, Co Longford denies the murder of Mr Weldon on the evening of July 5, 2005.

Prof Cassidy told Mr Paul O'Higgins SC, prosecuting, that the fatal wound was 17cm deep and was consistent with that inflicted by a large, sturdy knife like a chef's knife.

She said that at least moderate force would have been needed to inflict such a wound and the assailant would have probably used his right hand.

She said that the stab wound would have caused rapid collapse as blood would have flowed into the chest cavity and airways, obstructing breathing.

She noted that the deceased man had consumed a large quantity of alcohol and there was evidence he had also taken cannabis.

However, she told Mr Martin Giblin SC, defending, that she was not aware of any evidence that large quantities of alcohol and cannabis could cause violent behaviour.