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Defence Pathologist Backs Accident Theory in Prestwich Husband’s Death Trial

The expert told jurors the evidence is too limited for certainty, favouring an accidental fall onto a knife.

Overview

  • Dr Richard Shepherd testified that the single chest wound beneath the armpit was unusual and could be consistent with an accident, though it required severe force.
  • He disputed that a cut on David Berman’s finger was a defensive injury, suggesting it may have come from broken crockery rather than the knife.
  • His testimony followed senior pathologist Dr Philip Lumb’s view that an accidental cause was ‘inconceivable’ and that all three pathologists agreed severe force caused a 12cm wound.
  • Daryl Berman, 71, denies murdering her husband, 84, maintaining he fell in the kitchen onto a paring knife she had been using.
  • The case is being heard at Minshull Street Crown Court after police initially treated the death as accidental before seeking senior forensic review.