A PATHOLOGIST told a jury yesterday that a foundry worker who fell to his death from a riverside path had been assaulted before he died.

Dr James Sunter told the jury at Teesside Crown Court that although Michael Burrup, 36, of Stanhope, County Durham, died as a result of drowning, he had suffered other injuries.

He was giving evidence at the trial of Michael Reeves, 25, of Millfield, Sunderland, who is accused of the manslaughter of Mr Burrup. He denies the charge.

The prosecution claims that on June 9 last year Mr Reeves attacked Mr Burrup on a path with a sheer drop into the River Wear.

Christopher Knox, prosecuting, previously told the court the attack on the path, at Craggledy Crag, near the Heather View Caravan Park, Stanhope, caused both men to fall 40ft into the river.

Dr Sunter said Mr Burrup sustained a fractured skull, broken ribs and internal injuries, but also had injuries to his face which were not easily explained by the fall.

He said there was a black eye and injuries to his mouth which were consistent with a modest blow, and one on the chin which signified a minor blow.

Dr Sunter told the court Mr Burrup also had injuries on his hands which could have been sustained in a tussle.

The pathologist said the injuries showed Mr Burrup had been the victim of an assault before the fall.

The jury visited Stanhope yesterday to see the scene of the incident.

The case continues.