Deep incisions on parts of the head and neck were among multiple injuries examined on the victim ‘Ailine Finau, according to a pathologist's report presented at the trial of Siosateki Uikelotu Tu’itufu (19) who is charged with her murder.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is alleged to have murdered the 18-year-old girl, when he assaulted her with a machete multiple times, at a bush area in Fangaloto on February 13, 2018.

On February 6, Dr Seventeen Toumo’ua gave evidence on the report.

He said an examination of the deceased was held on February 20, 2018. He confirmed there had been 32 strikes, which caused 32 injuries found on her body.

This included 19 that were deep incisions exposing tissue, which caused excessive blood loss and 13 superficial injuries.

The court heard one was a deep incision found on the deceased’s upper back of her neck, which had exposed the bone that held her skull.

In addition, there were defensive injuries on her hand and palm, which showed she had tried to protect herself.

For causation of death, the doctor concluded that the deep injuries to the head and neck area as well as others, had caused excessive blood loss, which led to her death.

The doctor had also cut the deceased’s body to examine her uterus, after being informed by Police it was claimed she was pregnant.

However, after physically examining the uterus, the deceased was not pregnant at the time of her death or prior to that, he said.

Accused 

The accused, who also pleaded guilty to an alternative count of manslaughter, stands trial for murder led by the Prosecutor 'Aminiasi Kefu, who was not satisfied with the manslaughter plea.

The Crown's case said the murder occurred at around 6:00pm at Fangaloto, on a dirt road, which is a side road coming off Vuna Road. This was the day after Tropical Cyclone Gita hit the island.

"The accused and deceased had been in a de-facto relationship since July 2017 and were living in Fangaloto, at the accused's home. When they were in the bush area, it is alleged that they got to an argument, and the accused used the machete to repeatedly assault her."

The trial continues at the Supreme Court before Hon Mr Justice Cato and a jury.

The accused is represented by Sifa Tu'utafaiva.