Fiji Police Force forensic pathologists Dr James Kalougivaki has given evidence regarding Losana McGowan’s autopsy.

Usaia Kilaverata is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Ms McGowan.

The matter continues before Justice Priyantha Fernando at the High Court in Suva.

Dr Kalougivaki told the court that the bruises on the chest of the deceased indicated a high degree of force.

He said: “By reference to punches it was like a knock-out punch and by reference to a kick it was like a rugby ball kicked half way down the field.”

State lawyer further questioned Dr Kalougivaki regarding the blood on the deceased and the brain injuries sustained by the deceased.

Dr Kalougivaki said: “The blood indicates a severe brain injury and shows severe twisting or turning of the head or neck.

“It would have to be more than two blows to the head that are extremely forceful to cause such a severe head trauma and it’s due to multiple head injuries internally and externally.”

Defence lawyer Samanunu Vaniqi told the court that the reason Kilaverata would not be testifying was because they were relying on the admissions in the caution interview.

Both parties will be presenting their closing submissions later today.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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