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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 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.
Sleeping pills
Traces of an anti-depressant, sleeping pills and cannabis 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.Miss McNicol's body was found wrapped in a bin bag close to another grave containing Vicky Hamilton's remains.
You must continue to focus on the question - are you sure Peter Tobin... murdered Dinah McNicol Oliver Blunt QC
Home Office pathologist Dr David Rouse, who conducted post-mortem examinations on both bodies, said there was no evidence Miss McNicol was sexually assaulted.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.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.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."Dr Rouse said: "Her knickers... were rolled at the back, which suggests the underwear had been disturbed."
He said the cause of death was "unascertained but consistent with ligature strangulation and gagging".
Summing up, Mr Blunt told jurors to cast aside any "repugnance" they may have for Mr Tobin.
"Whatever repugnance you may feel towards Mr Tobin, even if you conclude he was involved in events after her death, you must continue to focus on the question - are you sure Peter Tobin... murdered Dinah McNicol?" he said.
It was an "indisputable fact" her body was found in the garden of Tobin's former home, Mr Blunt said.
And Mr Tobin's fingerprints were found on tape and bin bags used to conceal the remains.
But he added: "Does it necessarily mean, ladies and gentleman, he, Mr Tobin, was directly concerned in the disposal of Dinah McNicol's body, as opposed to simply handling items subsequently used by another?"