Updated with evidence by Dentist Hector Galea.

An autopsy had established that Malian migrant Mamadou Kamara died from a cardiac arrest triggered by intense pain when he was struck in his groin area, a court heard today.

Forensic pathologist Mario Scerri testified that no bruises had been found on the outside the migrant's body other than one on his chest.

However two large bruises were then found on his testicles and his groin area within the renal triangle.

The pain that the patient suffered was so great that it sparked off a physiological reaction in the body that resulted in Mr Kamara suffering a cardiac arrest.

In such cases, Dr Scerri said, unless aggressive and immediate treatment was given, the patient died.

He said that it had been established that there were no other factors which contributed to the death.

Kamara died in a van of the Detention Service on June 29 after having been allegedly kicked by soldiers when he was recaptured after an escape.

Gunner Clive Cuschieri, 29, of Paola, and Sergeant Mark Anthony Dimech, 44, of Gżira, have been charged with murder, while Lance Bombardier Gordon Pickard, 35, from Żabbar is pleading not guilty to tampering with evidence.

BITE MARKS

Dentist Hector Galea, a court-appointed expert, said that one of the accused, Clive Cuschieri had 31 bite marks caused by the victim Kamara.  Another eight bite marks were found on Dimech's body.

Kamara had a number of bite marks caused by Cuschieri on his face. One was on the lower lip.

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