A Malian immigrant died from a cardiac arrest triggered by intense pain inflicted when he was struck in the groin, a court-appointed pathologist testified yesterday.

The only visible bruise on Mamadou Kamara’s body was a small one on his chest but the autopsy revealed two large haematomas – a form of blood collection trauma that can form under the skin – to his testicles, forensic pathologist Mario Scerri said.

The autopsy into last June’s death also revealed lung bruising, indicating asphyxiation, Dr Scerri said. The intensity of the pain caused impulses from the vagus nerve that led the heart to stop.

Only “rapid, aggressive and immediate” treatment and resuscitation could have saved him, Dr Scerri argued.

This was the first time that a detailed explanation emerged of how Mr Kamara had died since the murder case started against Gunner Clive Cuschieri, 29, of Paola, and Sergeant Mark Anthony Dimech, 44, of Gżira.

Asked if the victim had suffered any other ailments, Dr Scerri said there were no other contributing factors to his death but his colleagues would be able to give more information.

The two doctors – Dr Marie Therese Camilleri and Dr Ali Safraz – will testify in the next sitting.

Dentist Professor Hector Galea also took the witness stand yesterday. He said Gnr Cuschieri had 31 bite marks on his body caused by the victim, while Sgt Dimech had eight.

The victim also had bite marks on his face and his lower lip, which were compatible with Gnr Cuschieri’s teeth.

The court heard Gnr Cuschieri who repeatedly kicked the victim in the groin area and Sgt Dimech grappled with him while they tried to arrest him following his escape from the Safi detention centre.

During yesterday’s proceedings, detention officer Marco Cuschieri testified again, saying he had overheard Sgt Dimech remark how the victim had bitten him and he repeatedly punched him.