Forensic pathologist Mario Scerri said today that lawyer Margaret Mifsud - found dead in her car in Bahar ic-Caghaq on April 18- had suffered traumatic asphyxia.

He said that her killer was in her car. He got on top of her, pinned her chest to the seat and prevented her from inhaling. Her chest could not expand.

She did not offer any resistance, which pointed tot he fact that she knew her aggressor and trusted him, Dr Scerri said.

The evidence was given during the compilation of evidence against Nizar Mustafa Al-Gadi, who stands accused of the murder. The court was told in August that DNA fromMr  Al-Gadi was found under Dr  Mifsud on the night that she was killed. Dr Mifsud was his former partner.

Dr Scerri said that Dr Mifsud had no bruising or signs of violence on her body other than a small bruise on the palm of her left hand.

Her blouse was pulled up to her breast but her jeans had not been opened.

Body fluid samples showed that she had not taken drugs or drink.

Her lungs were bruised,  further pointing to how she had suffered traumatic asphyxia.

Dr Scerri said studies of the scene of the crime showed that Dr Mifsud had driven to Bahar ic-Caghaq and the aggressor was already in the car as the time. None of the dust around the car had been found inside.