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Murder accused offers no evidence Murder accused offers no evidence
(about 1 hour later)
Convicted child killer Peter Tobin has offered no evidence in his defence at a trial for the murder of Essex teenager Dinah McNicol.Convicted child killer Peter Tobin has offered no evidence in his defence at a trial for the murder of Essex teenager Dinah McNicol.
Oliver Blunt QC, representing Mr Tobin, told Chelmsford Crown Court: "On behalf of Peter Tobin, we call no evidence." The jury is likely to retire shortly.Oliver Blunt QC, representing Mr Tobin, told Chelmsford Crown Court: "On behalf of Peter Tobin, we call no evidence." The jury is likely to retire shortly.
Mr Tobin, 63, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, denies murdering the 18-year-old.Mr Tobin, 63, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, denies murdering the 18-year-old.
He has already been convicted of murdering Vicky Hamilton, who was 15.He has already been convicted of murdering Vicky Hamilton, who was 15.
Miss Hamilton, from Redding, Falkirk, went missing from Bathgate, West Lothian, in February 1991.
Miss McNicol, of Tillingham, Essex, disappeared after leaving a music festival in Hampshire in August 1991.Miss McNicol, of Tillingham, Essex, disappeared after leaving a music festival in Hampshire in August 1991.
Traces of an anti-depressant and sleeping pills were found in the sixth-former's liver, the court heard. Traces of an anti-depressant, sleeping pills and cannabis were found in the sixth-former's liver, the court heard.
Forensic scientist John Slaughter said amitriptyline - used to treat depression - could cause dizziness and loss of co-ordination.Forensic scientist John Slaughter said amitriptyline - used to treat depression - could cause dizziness and loss of co-ordination.
He said there was also a "good indication" of the sleeping pill triazolam in her system.He said there was also a "good indication" of the sleeping pill triazolam in her system.
In April 1990, Mr Tobin was treated in hospital after overdosing on triazolam, jurors heard.In April 1990, Mr Tobin was treated in hospital after overdosing on triazolam, jurors heard.
Miss McNicol's body was found wrapped in a bin bag close to another grave containing Vicky Hamilton's remains.
Home Office pathologist Dr David Rouse, who conducted post-mortem examinations on both bodies, said there was no evidence Miss McNicol was sexually assaulted.
However, he said any injuries would be difficult to detect 16 years after death.
Jurors heard Miss McNicol was found tied and gagged, wearing a green jacket, a dark sleeveless vest and trousers.
Dr Rouse said: "Her knickers... were rolled at the back, which suggests the underwear had been disturbed."