Isabelle Sanders murder: Victim was stabbed 37 times

A woman who died after being attacked by an intruder in her Glasgow home was stabbed 37 times, a court has heard.

Pathologist Dr Marjorie Turner told the High Court in Glasgow that two wounds inflicted on Isabelle Sanders, at her Crookston home, on 9 April, were fatal.

Dr Turner was giving evidence at the trial of 19-year-old Paul McManus.

He denies murdering 51-year-old Ms Sanders and attempting to murder her 86-year-old partner Norman Busby by stabbing him.

Dr Turner told the court that one of the fatal wounds sliced through Ms Sanders heart and the other cut one of her main arteries.

Advocate depute Bruce Erroch, prosecuting, asked: "If it was suggested that one person stabbed this lady with a knife in each hand would that be consistent with your findings?"

Dr Turner replied: "Yes."

The jury heard that some of the stab wounds had sliced through bone and Dr Turner said these would have required "moderate force".

The pathologist said that the two fatal wounds would have resulted in excessive blood loss and Ms Sanders would have died within minutes.

The court also heard that Ms Sanders had some cuts to her hands, which Dr Turner said may have been defensive wounds.

She said: "Wounds to this area are typical defence injuries. It is a natural instinct to put up your hands to defend yourself.

"If you you are being attacked with a sharp weapon like a knife you can sustain injuries to your hands."

Dr Turner said that in total Ms Sanders had 61 separate injuries on her body.

In addition to the stab wounds, she had bruises and puncture wounds.

Under cross-examination, defence QC Gordon Jackson asked Dr Turner if she had gone to the crime scene and was told she had.

Mr Jackson said: "There would be a lot of blood about."

Dr Turner said: "Yes, there was blood where her body was and there were spatter areas."

She was then asked if there was blood on various items of furniture and replied: "Yes I think so."

The trial before judge Lord Armstrong continues.