A pathologist yesterday gave evidence in a manslaughter case and told the court what caused the death of the victim, Saula Sucu, as per his examination.

Charge: Kelevi Tokalau is alleged to have caused the death of Sucu, 22, who was found lying unconscious outside the O’Reilly’s nightclub on April 26, 2015. It is alleged that Tokalau, who was the bouncer of the club at the time, caused the death of Mr Sucu.

The matter was called before Justice Salesi Temo at the High Court in Suva.

State witness: Dr James Kalougivaki

State lawyer Sekonaia Vodokisolomane had asked the doctor about the examination he had done on Mr Sucu on April 27, 2015.

Dr James Kalougivaki said he had noted that there was a straight line bruise on the right eye and there were bruises on the upper and lower lip as well.

He said the bruises were caused through a blunt force trauma that can be caused through a rounded solid object.

When questioned about the head injuries Dr Kalougivaki said there was bleeding under the first and second covering of the brain. He also said there was swelling throughout the brain and the cause of death was the result of bleeding within the layers of covering of the brain and severe traumatic head injury.

During cross examination, defence lawyer Neel Shivam, asked Dr Kalougivaki that if a person fell back on his head how soon would it take for him to die?

Dr Kalougivaki said it would take less than six hours but the person would not die instantly because after the blunt force trauma it could take a person 20 minutes or more to die.

He further said the multiple injuries lead to the bleeding and that it would be safe to say that those injuries, in totality, caused the death of the deceased.

The case continues today.