Pathologist tells court Dr Isireli's injuries were consistent with 'crime of passion'

The injuries suffered by Nadi doctor Dr Isireli Biumaitotoya commonly known as 'Leighly Darling' were consistent with what a Fiji Police Force forensic pathologist described as a "crime of passion", the Lautoka High Court heard yesterday.

The opinion was given by forensic pathologist Dr Praneel Kumar during cross-examination in the murder trial of Peceli Rokoravolo, 37, before Justice Aruna Aluthge.

Dr Kumar said his assessment was based on the nature, pattern and severity of the injuries.

He told the court they were comparable to cases involving intimate partners, including husbands and wives, which he regarded as crimes of passion.

The court heard Dr Isireli, suffered about 30 injuries, including superficial and deep wounds caused by a sharp-force weapon with a long blade.

His post-mortem report documented three superficial cuts to the left side of the forehead, three deep chop wounds to the occipital region at the back of the head, injuries to both upper limbs, a chop wound to the left shoulder, three superficial chest wounds and six lacerations to the right upper limb.

Dr Kumar said most of the injuries were not fatal. However, a 170mm transverse chop wound to the back of the head fractured the skull, penetrated the brain and caused the fatal injury.

Questioned by defence lawyer Losana Taukei, Dr Kumar agreed there would have been a struggle but said the victim would have become progressively weaker after the fatal head injuries were inflicted.

He also told the court that a cane knife recovered from Dr Isireli's Namaka home was capable of causing the injuries.

Dr Kumar concluded that the cause of death was sharp-force trauma resulting in a brain injury.

The accused was expected to give evidence yesterday afternoon. However, defence lawyer Losana Taukei told the court Rokoravolo had been suffering from diarrhoea since the previous night and was feeling weak.

She said she had asked her client to remain in court until Dr Kumar completed his evidence but submitted that he was not fit to take the witness stand and had not yet been examined by a doctor.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku did not object to the request.

Justice Aluthge adjourned the matter, and Rokoravolo is expected to give evidence today.

Rokoravolo is charged with one count of murder. He is accused of murdering Dr Isireli between August 31 and September 1 last year.