DNA results presented at Norfolk Island murder hearing

Forensic evidence presented at a hearing into the murder of Janelle Patton on Norfolk Island has shown no DNA link to the New Zealand man accused of killing her.

Nelson chef Glenn McNeill has entered no plea to the charge of killing the 29-year old waitress on Norfolk Island in 2002.

The court has heard expert testimony from scientists who tested Miss Patton's clothing for DNA traces. Of more than 100 samples, they were unable to find the accused's profile on any of them.

However, analysis of Miss Patton's underwear found evidence of a mixed DNA profile from two females.

A swab taken from a car found on a property used by McNeill at the time of the murder did produce male DNA - but not that of the accused.

The pathologist who examined Janelle Patton's body told the court that 35 separate injuries contributed to her death.

Forensic pathologist Allan Cala conducted the post mortem examination on Ms Patton's body in April 2002.

Dr Cala told the committal hearing that multiple injuries caused Ms Patton's death, the most serious of which was a stab wound to the chest.

He also identified 34 other injuries to her head, neck, torso and limbs which led to her death.

McNeill was arrested in February and charged with murdering Janelle Patton, whose death was the first murder recorded on the self-governing island in 150 years.

The body of the 29-year-old restaurant manager was found wrapped in plastic at a picnic spot on Easter Sunday 2002.

A magistrate will decide if McNeill should stand trial for Ms Patton's murder during the five-day hearing in the island's small court house at Kingston.

- NEWSTALK ZB, RADIO AUSTRALIA