A PATHOLOGIST has described a catalogue of injuries sustained by a man who was allegedly murdered by his friend.

David Teague, 33, died following an incident inside a house in Wood View, Esh Winning, County Durham, on Saturday, April 24.

Robert Askew, whose house it was, allegedly subjected Mr Teague to a prolonged drug-fuelled attack with a machete whilst holding Chloe Richardson captive.

The 35-year-old denies murdering Mr Teague along with false imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm of Miss Richardson, whose mother was in a relationship with Mr Teague.

Read more: Esh Winning murder jury hears 999 call as man does CPR on Stockton's David Teague

Forensic pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper told Newcastle Crown Court yesterday that Mr Teague had at least 40 injuries from a sharp weapon – used in stabbing, chopping and slashing actions – and others possibly from the back of the blade.

He had wounds on his arms which he could have sustained whilst trying to defend himself, heavy bruising on his back and six broken ribs.

Dr Cooper said: “David Teague died from the affect of multiple injuries, the main affect likely being blood loss.

“He had at least 40 injuries caused by a sharp weapon such as a sword, probably a further 30 caused by use of a weapon which may have been the sword I have seen photos of. It is highly probable he was kicked or stamped repeatedly, he had massive bruises on the back and fractures to six ribs.”

Dr Cooper said toxicology reports showed Mr Teague had taken amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis but not in levels not high enough to explain death – especially of someone used to taking drugs.

Vomit in his airways could suggest he became unconscious and unable to protect his airways, though this could have occurred during resuscitation attempts.

Robert Woodcock QC, defending, asked if Mr Teague could have got the bruises and broken ribs by falling on the floor or against furniture.

“I cannot conceive that all the fractures and bruising were caused by falls,” said Dr Cooper.

“If he had fallen from a second-floor window I would.”

Prosecutor Simon Kealey QC has previously told the jury the incident appeared to start when a “seemingly minor issue” of Mr Teague asking to see Mr Askew’s cannabis plants “was amplified by a cocktail of illicit drugs taken by the defendant”.

The trial continues.

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