A PATHOLOGIST found evidence Dr Barbara Johnston put up a fight before she died in her Oxford flat, a jury heard.

Dr Johnston, 55, was allegedly stabbed, beaten, strangled and suffocated in her flat in Woodstock Close.

Michael Humphries, 43, of Ferndale Street, Faringdon, has denied murdering her and is standing trial at Oxford Crown Court.

Home Office pathologist Dr Nicholas Hunt examined Dr Johnston's body after her death in January.

Dr Hunt said Dr Johnston's jugular vein was severed and both her lungs had been penetrated by a knife.

He said there were also injuries which suggested she may have struggled as she was attacked.

Richard Latham, prosecuting, said: "We come to one or two injuries on the arms.

"Is there a particular significance to those?"

Dr Hunt said: "Yes, they come into the category I referred to as defence wounds which occur if someone tries to parry a blow or block a blow or if they try and grasp the weapon."

Mr Latham said: "Which is indicative of the victim at that stage being conscious?"

Dr Hunt said: "Yes."

He said the bruises were consistent with a struggle or fight occurring.

Mr Latham said: "What was the cause of death?"

Mr Hunt said: "Multiple stab wounds and asphyxia."

The trial continues.