Sandwell murder trial told of mother's defensive injuries
A 52-year-old mother sustained “defensive injuries” as she was stabbed to death during an alleged frenzied attack by her son at her home, a trial heard.
Forensic pathologist Dr Alexander Kolar said two stab wounds on the back of Jasbir Kaur's left forearm were consistent with "defensive-type actions".
Ms Kaur was found with more than 20 stab wounds after allegedly being killed by her son Anmol Chana, 26, in Moat Road, Oldbury, in February.
Chana, of Hamilton Road, Smethwick, is also standing trial accused of murdering Ms Kaur's husband Rupinder Bassan, 51, at the address.
'Protecting valuable structures'
Dr Kolar told Birmingham Crown Court: "These are the types of injuries [on her arms and hands] when someone tries to defend themselves from an assault.
"Injuries to the backs of arms, forearms, are typically associated with protecting valuable structures."
He said she would have been "concious and aware" during this part of the assault.
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Ms Kaur also suffered "sharp force injuries" to her face and neck during the terrifying assault, including her carotid artery and jugular vein, the court heard.
Dr Kolar said this would be associated with "a large quantity of bleeding".
One injury penetrated into the bone of her spine, which Dr Kolar said would require "severe force".
Ms Kaur also received internal damage to her heart, lung and aorta – the latter of which is the body's largest blood vessel located in the chest.
"Each injury on their own would have caused death really quickly," Dr Kolar said.
He added: "There was a number of stab wounds that have damaged major structures. It is safe to say these are responsible for causing her death."
Dr Kolar was shown a photograph of a knife with blood on it – which he described as a "Swiss bayonet-style blade" – and told the court it is possible this caused the injuries described.
Mr Bassan also sustained more than 20 injuries during the assault and suffered a wound to his left arm.
But Dr Kolar said his injuries on his arms were "less text book" of defensive-type actions than Ms Kaur's.
The court was told Mr Bassan suffered a "sharp force injury" across the back of his neck, measuring 14 centimetres in length.
Dr Kolar said the grouping of injuries on Mr Bassan's neck showed he had "limited mobility" at the time – indicating it may have been at the end of the assault.
"These injuries demonstrate it was at the end of what took place," he added.
The trial continues.
