Schoolgirl 'knocked unconscious' before death

Schoolgirl Rebecca Storrs could have been knocked unconscious before she died, a court has heard.

Pathologist Professor Ian West told the murder trial jury at Cardiff Crown Court that a blow to the head could have caused the 18-year-old student to black out.

Defendant Marc Shillibier, 33, is accused of murdering Ms Storrs after meeting her at a house party and later dumping her body in the river.

Professor West said cuts to Ms Storr's forehead may well have resulted in her being "stunned for a short period."

The court heard Rebecca had traces of alcohol and cannabis in her bloodstream at the time of death.

Cardiff Crown Court has heard there were four possibilities of the cause of her death - a fatal neck injury, an internal wound, drowning or hypothermia.

The court heard how Professor West could not rule out the use of more than one weapon in the attack, which took place in the early hours of 6 March.

Her body was found in the River Ogmore after going to a house party with friends.

She met the defendant at the party - and the court heard the allegation that he killed her after she spurned his sexual advances.

Shillibier - a former fish factory worker from Bridgend - denies murder.

The trial continues.