An inquest into the death of Laura Marshall in 2016 heard conflicting expert views on how the Lurgan woman died. Dr Ben Swift, a pathologist, disputed the conclusions of former state pathologist Professor Jack Crane, who had suggested drowning and assault. Dr Swift said the evidence points to alcoholic ketoacidosis, a condition caused by alcohol misuse.

Ms Marshall, a dental nurse, was found by a maintenance manager after a downstairs neighbour reported water coming into their flat on Victoria Street in Lurgan, Co Armagh. Her body was partially submerged in bath water and showed bruising on her body and forehead and a cut on her left arm. A post-mortem examination found a history of alcohol misuse.

Dr Swift told Belfast Coroner's Court there was little evidence to support drowning. He also said the pattern of injuries did not support an assault. He disputed that some injuries indicated sexual assault, saying there were various possible causes.

Karen Quinlivan KC, representing Ms Marshall's next of kin, questioned Dr Swift at length. She put to him that he had tried to ridicule other hypotheses in emails and was derogatory about another expert or police, claiming confirmation bias over how the bathroom door locked. Dr Swift responded that he was providing an unbiased opinion for the court.

Ms Marshall lived at the flat with her partner Gary O'Dowd. The inquest previously heard she had told a family member that Mr O'Dowd had threatened to kill her, subjected her to regular beatings, and scalded her with boiling water. Mr O'Dowd was charged with murder in April 2016 but the charges were withdrawn by the Public Prosecution Service in February 2018.

Coroner Louisa Fee reminded parties that the inquest is not designed to attribute blame to any individual. The inquest continues.