Bloodstains noticed at Te Anau motel death scene

Bloodstains were noticed on some clothes and on motel room bedding where the body of a woman who was allegedly killed by her husband in Te Anau was found, a court has heard.

Rodney Stuart Fallowfield has been accused of murdering Shirley Reedy in May last year.

At the Invercargill High Court yesterday, ESR forensic scientist Gary Gillespie told the jury his findings following the examination of blood spots, swabs and material collected at the motel where Shirley Reedy was killed.

The trial before Justice Jan-Marie Doogue started on Monday, when Fallowfield pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife.

While the Crown’s case was Fallowfield murdered Ms Reedy during a belated wedding celebration, the defence team said Fallowfield admitted the killing but did not have the intention to kill his wife.

Mr Gillespie told the court small stains of blood were discovered on Ms Reedy’s shirt, pillows and the duvet from the motel rooms.

Impressions believed to be from a shoe were also found on the bottom sheet, he said.

Under cross-examination, defence counsel Peter Redpath asked if any DNA test was conducted in any of the samples collected.

‘‘There was no DNA test done on any of the samples related to this case,’’Mr Gillespie replied.

The trial continues today.

luisa.girao@odt.co.nz

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