Jill Dando died almost instantly, court told

Jill Dando died almost immediately due to brain damage after being shot through the head at point-blank range, the Old Bailey has heard.

A small cut found above the bullet's entry point was probably caused by the pressure of the gun sight against her head, said Home Office pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd.

The post-mortem examination concluded "death would have been almost immediate due to the damage caused to the brain".

The pathologist was giving evidence on the seventh day of the trial of Barry George, 41, from Fulham, west London, who denies murdering Miss Dando on April 26 1999.

It was not proposed to show photographs of her death to the jury.

Dr Shepherd said it was not possible to say what position Miss Dando was in when shot.

He thought the close proximity of the weapon would have resulted in the gun being contaminated with blood.

Dr Shepherd listed other injuries found on Miss Dando. She was bruised on her right forearm, which could have been caused by her falling on the doorstep, or being gripped during the attack.

The pathologist said he could not exclude it being caused by attempts to resuscitate her.

A bruise on her right thigh could have been caused when she fell - as could reddening to her right elbow and a graze on the back of her right hand. The trial continues.