Clowne murder trial hears woman died from stab wound to neck

A PATHOLOGIST who carried out a post-mortem on a 52-year-old woman found lying in her ex-partner’s bedroom confirmed she died from a stab wound to the neck.

Dr Stuart Hamilton told Nottingham Crown Court how Lee Hendry was also found with a number of bruises around her neck and body which were consistent with strangulation.

Ms Hendry, of Princess Street, Brimington, was found by officers at around 8.35pm on 13th September after arranging to meet her ex-boyfriend Alexander Burnett the evening before.

Burnett, 32, from Westlea View, Clowne, is charged with her murder. He denies the allegation.

Shaun Smith, defending Burnett, asked Dr Hamilton if the bruising around her neck was consistent with some degree of strangulation during sex play.

“They are yes,” Dr Hamilton replied. “The bruising on the neck is consistent to pressure.”

Jurors heard how Ms Hendry had a keen interest in vampires and her sister, Maxine Bonser, told the court she liked being dominated during sex.

The court heard how Ms Hendry caught the bus to Boughton Lane, in Clowne, where she met Burnett and went back to his place on Monday 12th September.

Peter Joyce QC, prosecuting, claims the two of them drank and had sex while a friend of Burnett’s sat downstairs and watched television.

The pathologist, Dr Stuart Hamilton, confirmed the deceased was found with 120 mlgs of alcohol in 100 mls of blood – one-and-a-half times over the legal limit to drive.

The court heard how Burnett handed himself in at Chesterfield Police Station around 8pm the day after.

Officers found Ms Burnett in his bedroom and a knife by the wardrobe.

Burnett denies the charge of murder.

The trial continues.

Related topics: