A Ukrainian woman died in agony hours after she was allegedly pushed down a shaft by her husband during a heated argument, a court heard yesterday.

Forensic pathologist Mario Scerri testified that 35-year-old Liudmyla Nykytiuk had died because, on hitting the bottom of the shaft, she tore an artery and blood slowly oozed out as she lay there.

The woman had a good chance of surviving had she received medical help in time.

Dr Scerri, who was present during the woman's autopsy, was testifying in the compilation of evidence against the victim's husband, Sergii, who is pleading not guilty to killing her last November.

Sitting in the dock, her husband took deep breaths, as a translator explained what the doctor was testifying.

Before Dr Scerri had arrived on the scene in Ramon Perellos Street, St Paul's Bay, he suspected the case could have been a suicide but after he examined the body and saw grip marks and scratches on the woman he immediately ruled out such a possibility.

The victim had lesions, that were a direct result of the fall, and a broken pelvis, which tore an artery that led to her slow, agonising death, Dr Scerri explained.

Dentist Hector Galea, confirmed that 17 of 18 bite marks on the body of the accused matched the victim's dental structure. Three of the marks were on his left arm and were made in the 24 to 48 hours prior to his wife's death, Prof. Galea testified.

When asked by Magistrate Saviour Demicoli at what time had the other marks been made, he said it was very difficult to determine the time.

Ms Nykytiuk had three love bites on her breasts and a fourth bite on her shoulder, which the dentist said had been made by the husband.

Police Inspector Chris Pullicino prosecuted.

Lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores appeared for the accused.