A makeshift grave in which an alleged murder victim was found buried was “likely” to have been pre-dug before his death, an expert told a trial jury.

Forensic archaeologist Dr Julie Roberts carried out an examination of the deep rectangular grave found among trees and bushes in a secluded area of former industrial land, near the Northern Spire Bridge, on the south bank of the River Wear, in Sunderland, on June 1, last year.

The grave contained the partially decomposed body of Kieran Williams, who had not been seen alive since April 18, Easter Monday evening, last year.

Newcastle Crown Court was previously told that 18-year-old Mr Williams died from blood loss from multiple stab wounds.

Read more: Trial starts of Sunderland pair accused of murder of Kieran Williams

The prosecution alleges that phone evidence links his alleged killers, Ben Cook and Louis Michael Hackett, to the burial site, on the night of his disappearance and on return visits within the following fortnight.

In subsequent interviews, both men admitted being present when Mr William was killed, but they each blamed the other for inflicting the fatal stab wounds, before he was buried.

The court has been told attempts were made to set light to the body after Mr Williams’ death, but the flames burned only his clothing.

Dr Roberts said Mr Hackett’s fingerprints were found on clods of clay covering the grave and within the burial site, itself.

Other prints found among the clay at the burial site remain unidentified, however, the expert told the court.

Asked by prosecuting counsel, David Lamb KC, if it was likely that the grave was pre-dug, prior to Mr Williams’ death, she replied: “I think it’s likely. But I don’t think it was dug a considerable amount of time in advance.

Read more: Phone evidence outlined to trial jury over death of Sunderland teen

“It was a very deep and well-constructed grave, quite different from any other kind of clandestine grave you might see offenders dig after a murder when they are in a panic or a rush.

“It had all the hallmarks of a well-constructed and deep grave.”

She said in her view it was, “clearly a clandestine grave”, with attempts made to conceal it by placing leaves and branches over the top.

Read next:

               Accused duo were at scene of alleged Sunderland murder, jury told

               Kieran Williams: Men, 19 and 20, facing trial accused of killing Sunderland teenager

              Kieran Williams: Sunderland crime scene remains as two appear in court

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Dr Roberts added that the finger prints found on the clumps of clay were “more likely” to have been left when the grave was being filled in, after the body was placed inside.

Mr Cook, 19, of Fordfield Road, and 19-year-old Mr Hackett, of Fordenbidge Square, both Ford Estate, Sunderland, each deny a charge of murder.

The trial continues today (Tuesday January 24).