A retired odontologist has told the World's End murder trial that marks on Christine Eadie's body were a possible human bite mark.
Dr Howard Moodie, 71, examined a photograph of Christine's arm taken at the time of her death in October 1977. He said it made him think "this was an aggressive human bite mark". Angus Sinclair, 69, denies raping and murdering Helen Scott and Christine Eadie who were last seen at the World's End pub in Edinburgh.
Under cross examination, Dr Moodie told the High Court in Livingston that, as he could not see features of all six upper and lower teeth, he was "cautious" about the exact cause of the marks. He said that is why he said the bite mark was "possible, not probable". Dr Moodie said: "The almost circular mark is a possible human bite mark. "If it is accepted as a possible bite mark, it is an aggressive bite mark. It is an aggressive one with no evidence of amorous engagement." An expert examiner of knots told the trial that it was likely that the ligatures on the two victims had been tied by two different people.
Forensic scientist Roger Ide examined the ligatures used to bind the wrists of Christine Eadie and Helen Scott and also those tied around their necks to strangle them. 'More skilful' He said two of the knots tied around Christine Eadie's body were more skilful and had been tied by someone who knew a little bit more about what they were doing. Dr Ide said that was his opinion but that he cannot be sure. He said: "I've looked at many different bindings to victims of different sorts over many years and you sort of recognise the handwriting.
"Two of the knots on Christine Eadie were the more skilful. Someone who may have thought it out a bit better. "But I think it's likely the two were tied by different people - but I can't be sure of that." Mr Sinclair is alleged to have gagged the girls, bound their wrists and tied a ligature around their necks. He denies inflicting blunt force injuries on Ms Eadie by repeatedly punching and kicking her on the body and biting her. He also denies forcing Ms Scott to walk barefoot into a field, ripping the strap from her handbag, repeatedly punching and kicking her on the head and body and stamping on her head. And he denies stealing clothing, footwear, jewellery and other personal effects from the teenagers in an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
Mr Sinclair has lodged three special defences, of incrimination, consent and alibi. The trial continues.