Police at the scene of Natalie Jarvis's death in Swanley Village

by Keith Hunt

A young woman bled to death as a result of a boyfriend inflicting multiple stab injuries to her neck, a jury heard.

Home Office pathologist Dr Peter Jerreat said Natalie Jarvis, 23, had more than 20 wounds from a "severe attack" to her throat and surrounding area.

There was clearly a struggle, he said, because she had "defensive injuries" where she attempted to grasp the blade.

Dr Jareat was giving evidence at Maidstone Crown Court at the trial of Adam Whelehan and Tom Fuller, both 23, who deny murder.

Whelehan, of Roseberry Avenue, Sidcup, admits killing Natalie, but claims it was self-defence. Fuller, of Oakley Drive, Eltham, south east London, claims he was not part of a plan to kill Natalie.

Whelehan, who referred to Natalie as JC because he said she looked like comedian James Corden, is alleged to have murdered her because he believed she was pregnant and saw it as the only way out of the relationship.

Natalie (pictured right) was wearing pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers when Whelehan drove her to Swanley Village, with Fuller hiding in the boot, on the evening of October 3 last year.

Whelehan and Natalie got out of the car and walked along Swanley Village Road, where she was later found with her throat cut.

Whelehan sat with his head bowed as Dr Jareat listed 24 injuries in and around the neck with some "gaping" wounds, one penetrating to 11cm.

"The internal jugular vein has been almost cut in two," he said.

It was not possible to exclude the possibility of more than one weapon being used.

Asked by prosecutor Ian Acheson what killed Natalie, Dr Jareat replied: "She died from haemorrhage as a result of multiple stab wounds to the neck."

Whelehan had superficial cuts to his right palm and little finger.

The possibilities of the cause were attempting to grasp the knife while being attacked, injury while holding the knife, thrusting the blade into the victim and self-harm.

The trial is beind heard at Maidstone Crown Court

Dr Jareat said no drugs or an appreciable amount of alcohol were found in Natalie's body. She was not pregnant at the time and there was no sign of a recent termination.

The pathologist said he "partly agreed" with Whelehan’s QC Sasha Wass that the injuries were consistent with a "dynamic struggle".

He added: "She could be still or in a fixed position. There clearly has been a struggle because there are defensive injuries. She has attempted to grasp the blade of the knife.

"You can't get away from the fact we have a concentration of 20 stab wounds in one area. When a person is attacked it would be unusual to stand there and accept 20 wounds."

The trial continues.