Cause of schoolgirl's death 'uncertain'

The court heard several possible causes of death

Cardiff Crown Court was told by a pathologist that he was uncertain exactly how murdered schoolgirl Rebecca Storrs had died.

The 18-year-old Bridgend student's body was found submerged in a river the morning after she went to a party.

But Home Office pathologist Dr Stephen Leadbeatter told Cardiff Crown Court there were four possible causes of her death.

"The exact cause of death is still in doubt, but Rebecca suffered injuries consistent with a hand placing pressure on the neck," he said.

Rebecca Storrs: Found strangled

"This could have led to bleeding to the neck and may have been done by someone strong enough to use one hand."

But Dr Leadbeatter said Ms Storrs, 18, could have bled to death after suffering internal cuts, drowned or died from the effects of hypothermia.

The court heard that a neighbour of defendant Marc Shillibier, 32, was woken by the sound of voices as she slept, just hours before the schoolgirl's body was discovered.

Janet Morgan, 45, said she heard voices outside her house at about 0130 GMT talking "as if they didn 't want to disturb people."

Shillibier is accused of murdering Rebecca after meeting her at a house party - then disposing of her body in the river.

The former fish factory worker from Bridgend denies murder.

The trial continues.