THE INJURY that killed Ricky Butler was caused by an object hitting him and not by his head hitting the ground, a pathologist has said.
Home office pathologist Dr Kenneth Shorrock told a jury at Lewes Crown Court that a blow to the head had bent the popular 15-year-old Forest School boy's skull inwards.
The court heard earlier this week that gatecrasher Richard Martin, 19, of Heath Way, Horsham, killed Ricky with a nunchuk martial arts weapon outside a party in Horsham last year.
Martin has admitted carrying out the attack but denies murder, saying he did not intend to kill Ricky.
He also denies wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to another teenager (Witness A] who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Dr Shorrock was asked today (Thursday August 21) whether the fatal injury could have been caused by Ricky hitting his head on the ground when he fell.
"I'm of the opinion that it was caused by something hitting his head," said Dr Shorrock.
He said the worst injured area of the brain was under the point of impact.
"The other thing is that he didn't have a mark on his head consistent with ground contact," he said.
He added that it wasn't the type of head injury that would have been more serious for someone who had been drinking alcohol.
The trial continues.
Trial updates will appear on this website throughout the day.
Ricky Butler murder trial latest - witness recalls gatecrasher
Ricky Butler murder trial latest - witness asked to demonstrate attack
Ricky Butler murder trial latest - witness describes attack
Ricky Butler murder trial latest - teen witness breaks down in tears
Ricky Butler murder trial latest - teen relives attack
Ricky Butler murder trial latest - jury hears nunchuk allegations
For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Website users who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is £1.53 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.
The full article contains 379 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
