Why wasn't axe killer 'bloodied'?

Senior forensic scientist Samantha Warnakulasuriya, who was referred to in court as Miss Warna, told the jury at Leeds Crown Court the blood would have been deposited on Jan Charlton's feet, legs, chest and face.

Miss Warna was asked what parts of Charlton's body would have been covered with blood.

She replied: "My expectation is her feet, legs and chest, neck and face would have had to be spattered."

The jury has heard how Danny O'Brien, 40, was discovered at his detached house in Midgley, West Yorkshire, with a large axe embedded in his head,

Mr O'Brien lived in Holme Terrace, Townsendfold, Rawtenstall, until three years ago.

He was lying naked and face down in the blood-spattered bedroom of the house, which he shared with Charlton, 36.

Mr O'Brien had been hit more than 20 times, the jury has been told. Former escort girl Charlton has admitted killing him but denies murder.

She says she was acting in lawful self-defence after the former company director threatened to kill both her and her four-year-old daughter. Charlton also claims provocation.

Miss Warna examined the scene of Mr O'Brien's death on May 23 last year, the day he died.

Giving evidence for a second day, Miss Warna told the jury she also found bloodstains on a bikini top worn by Charlton.

She also found evidence of diluted blood on the en-suite bathroom carpet, in the shower-cubicle and in a bucket found downstairs.

Blood was also deposited on windows in the master bedroom, she told the court.

Under cross-examination from Robert Smith, QC, Miss Warna agreed there was no evidence to suggest Charlton had washed her hair or used a hair-drier after the killing.

Mr Smith put it to her: "Are you prepared to accept there may have been no blood in her hair?

Miss Warna added: "That wouldn't have been my expectation unless her hair was covered. If it was exposed I would have expected blood to be deposited in her hair."

(Proceeding)