TWO pathologists have told how they believed a pensioner had been suffocated in her bed by someone holding a pillow over her face.
Home Office pathologist Dr Paul Johnson and Dr William Lawler, of Cumbria, were giving evidence relating to the death of Joan Beddeson, of Raleigh Close, Macclesfield.
Peter John Crittenden, aged 64, a financial adviser, of Beech Avenue, Barbourne, Worcester, has denied murdering the 71-year-old because she was asking questions about £270,000 she had handed over to him.
Dr Johnson said that the death had been certified by a doctor on November 16, 2002 and there had been two post mortems before he carried out his own at Macclesfield hospital on June 5.
The doctor said that bruising to her upper lip had been caused by "blunt trauma", which required an application of force or pressure.
Miss Beddeson had two abrasions to her face and bruising to her collar bone, wrist, and elbow.
The trial, which is expected to last another five weeks, continues.
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