1. West Country
  2. 5 updates

Becky Watts trial - Day 6

The trial of four people arrested in connection with the murder of Becky Watts continues hearing evidence today. Nathan Matthews and Shauna Hoare deny kidnapping and murdering the teen. James Ireland and Donovan Demetrius deny assisting an offender.

Follow @ITVBeckyTrial for live updates from the court.

Live updates

Becky Watts Trial: Becky was stabbed 15 times after she died

WARNING POTENTIALLY DISTRESSING CONTENT.

Becky Watts had 40 different areas of injury, all sustained before she died.

A Home Office Forensic Pathologist took nearly an hour to list all of the injuries sustained, which included 14 cuts and bruises to her face - one a "finger tip" bruise mark on her jaw.

As part of the harrowing evidence, listened to by her family - including her dad Darren - Dr Cook also said the Bristol teen had been stabbed 15 times after she had died, all on her chest.

Many of her family sobbed while the evidence was read, while others comforted one another.

The jury heard that petite Becky's body, measuring 5'1", had been cut into eight separate pieces - which were separately wrapped in layers of cling film and plastic bags, then put in a suitcase, a plastic bag and a blue plastic box.

The body, which was later identified as Rebecca Watts, had been dismembered after death. The nature of the cuts, clean cuts through the bone, were consistent with a saw.

There were eight parts, wrapped in cling film, thick blue plastic bags, and for some other parts, different items including three different tapes, as well as bath mats and a shower curtain.

– Dr Deborah Cook

She said Becky's injuries around her mouth and nose were consistent with a hand being placed over them to suffocate her. She gave this as the cause of death.

She said the teen would have had a "fight or flight" reaction causing her to struggle.

An otherwise healthy and conscious individual cannot be suffocated with ease, it is very difficult, and a person will struggle when the mouth and nose are obstructed.

The bruising was all blunt trauma. Both positions of bruising around the back of the head and the back, are consistent with somebody who is face up with their airways obstructed trying to fight off that obstruction.

– Dr Deborah Cook

When asked if Becky had been strangled she said she found no "positive findings" to suggest this was the case.

Nathan Matthews denies murdering Becky but has admitted killing the teen.

Shauna Hoare denies all the charges.

Advertisement

Becky Watts Trial: Jury hear how murder accused were arrested on suspicion of kidnap

Shauna Hoare and Nathan Matthews were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping Becky Watts at Hoare's mum's home in Southmead.

Plain clothed police officers entered the home, at around 3.20pm on February 28, where they spoke to the pair separately.

I'm arresting you on suspicion of the kidnap of Rebecca Watts'.

I said 'you were at the address at the time [Becky was last seen], and that we also have investigative material that links you to the offence'.

– PC Russell Saunders

After each were arrested and cautioned they were read a set of "urgent questions" in an attempt to locate, and safely find, Becky.

Can you tell me where Becky is?

– PC Russell Saunders

No.

– Shauna Hoare

Can you help us with where Becky is?

– PC Russell Saunders

I don't know how to.

– Shauna Hoare

Do you know if Becky is safe?

– PC Russell Saunders

I don't know.

– Shauna Hoare

Can you help us find out if Becky is safe?

– PC Russell Saunders

I don't know how to.

– Shauna Hoare

The jury heard Matthews was asked the same questions, to which he replied, "no comment" to all.

Both were then taken, separately to Patchway Police Station.

Nathan Matthews denies murdering Becky but has admitted killing the teen.

Shauna Hoare denies all the charges.

Becky Watts Trial: Nathan Matthews - 'I didn't particularly like Becky'

In his second police interview, Nathan Matthews told officers that he didn't "particularly like" Becky, and found her attitude annoying,

Matthews, who was still a witness in the missing person enquiry,

I don't particularly talk to her because, obviously, I don't particularly like her, because obviously she has her moments, she will be normal in any other sense of a person, you know.... What annoys me is that way she speaks to my mum, sometimes she will be kind of like rude or something, or kind of demanding.

– Nathan Matthews

Matthews told police that he and Becky had never had a "proper argument" but he admitted to snapping at her on a few occasions.

She could be quite rude when she talks to you and that kind of thing.

I didn't particularly get on well with her or like her because of the way she speaks and talks to my mum.

– Nathan Matthews

Matthews said the pair used to get on when they were "bitching about Darren and things" but other than that they were "civil to each other" or, there was "no interaction" at all, when they were together.

Nathan Matthews denies murdering Becky but has admitted killing the teen.

Shauna Hoare denies all the charges.

Back to top

Latest ITV News reports