Brenda Page had at least 20 injuries, murder trial hears
- Published
Brenda Page was found dead in 1978
A woman who was found dead 45 years ago suffered at least 20 injuries to the head and face, a murder trial heard.
Forensic pathologist Marjorie Turner told the High Court in Aberdeen that Brenda Page also had defensive injuries on her hands.
The body of the 32-year-old was found in Aberdeen's Allan Street in July 1978.
Her ex-husband Christopher Harrisson, now 82, denies her murder. He has lodged a special defence of alibi.
Dr Turner told the second day of the trial that the original post-mortem examination had concluded Ms Page died as a result of a "violent assault".
She was asked to review the circumstances.
The jury was not shown photographs of the injuries, but a 3D computer generated model was displayed.
Dr Turner said Ms Page had died as a result of blunt force trauma and agreed that she had been struck at least 20 times.
She said extensive bruising on her hands and a dislocated finger were "classical defensive injuries".
Dr Turner said the injuries could have been caused by a single weapon or multiple weapons.
The trial also heard evidence from Elsa Christie, 75, a friend of Mr Harrisson. She said he had phoned her in the days before Ms Page's death.
"He said he was going to kill her," she told the court.
This was not mentioned in her police statement at the time.
Under cross examination, she denied it was a lie and said she did not know why it was not in her statement.
The trial is taking place at the High Court in Aberdeen
"It's just absolute nonsense," defence counsel Brian McConnachie said.
"No it's absolutely true," she replied.
Advocate depute Alex Prentice, prosecuting, asked if she was in any doubt whatsoever about the conversation.
"None at all," she said.
Earlier, Ms Page's friend Diane Davey gave evidence via video link from Ipswich.
She said she did not think Ms Page and Mr Harrisson, who were divorced in 1977, had a particularly good marriage.
'Quite terrified'
She said Ms Page had a court order to keep Mr Harrisson away from her, and that he had attacked her.
"She really seemed to be quite terrified of him," she said.
"Obviously she had worries and concerns. She took out an order so that he was not allowed to come near.
"I don't think he adhered to it."
Ms Davey said that Mr Harisson had thrown tea over Brenda.
Mr McConnachie said his information was that this incident did not happen.
"He certainly did throw tea over Brenda," she replied.
Nicol Hosie told the court he was the solicitor who handled legal issues for Ms Page, including her divorce and court order.
He said he did not form the opinion she was prone to exaggeration.
Ms Page was principal of the genetics department at the University of Aberdeen Medical School.
Fear and alarm
Mr Harrisson is accused of assaulting her on various occasions and in various locations between 1972 and 1976.
He is also accused of breach of the peace by threatening violence to her and placing her in a state of fear and alarm for her safety.
It is alleged that between 1976 and 1978 he also committed a breach of the peace by threatening to kill her and keeping track of her movements.
He is accused of murder by forcing entry to her flat in Allan Street on 14 July 1978 and repeatedly striking her on the head and body with a blunt implement.
Mr Harrisson is further accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of a watch, and a bag and contents including a pair of shoes, with the intent to destroy forensic evidence and to avoid detection and prosecution.
The jury has heard Brenda Page was found in her nightdress lying on her bed, covered in blood and lifeless.
She had suffered multiple injuries to her head.
Mr Harrisson denies all the charges, and has lodged a special defence of alibi to the murder charge, stating at the time of the alleged crime he was at home.
The trial, being presided over by judge Lord Richardson, continues.
- Published21 February 2023
